Hightower to Deepen Strategic Partnership with $9.5B The Bahnsen Group

CHICAGO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Hightower today announced it has signed a definitive agreement to acquire one of its flagship franchises, The Bahnsen Group (TBG), a leading U.S. wealth management practice overseeing approximately $9.5 billion in assets under management (AUM)*. TBG has been one of Hightower’s fastest-growing and strongest-performing practices. The transaction significantly strengthens Hightower’s ability to invest behind TBG’s differentiated brand, expand its platform, and serve as another hub within Hightower for integrating additional like-minded advisory teams, further accelerating long-term growth.

Founded in 2015 when David Bahnsen joined Hightower with approximately $600 million in client assets, The Bahnsen Group has grown to nearly $10 billion in AUM today—driven by over 30% annual organic growth over the past decade. TBG has scaled into a national advisory practice with twelve locations across key markets including Newport Beach, CA; New York, NY; Nashville, TN; and Palm Beach, FL, supported by a team of approximately 100 professionals.

TBG serves high-net-worth individuals, families, and institutions, with a differentiated focus on dividend growth equity investing. The practice is also recognized for its commitment to thought leadership and content creation, producing a broad range of market insights and intellectual capital for clients.

“This is a natural evolution of a highly successful partnership,” said Larry Restieri, Chief Executive Officer of Hightower. “David and his team have built a leading wealth management business with a clear investment philosophy and strong client relationships. This next phase allows us to further align strategically and bring the full capabilities of Hightower to support their continued growth—both organically and through acquisitions.”

As part of the transaction, TBG will more deeply integrate with Hightower’s platform across technology, operations, compliance, wealth solutions, and advisor services—enhancing scalability, improving efficiency, and supporting both organic growth and inorganic expansion.

“This partnership with Hightower will be instrumental to the next phase of our growth,” said David Bahnsen, Founder and Managing Partner of The Bahnsen Group. “Taking this next step reflects our shared long-term vision. With deeper integration across Hightower, we are well positioned to continue investing in our team and pursuing both organic growth and strategic opportunities. This venture leverages the strengths of each party to the benefit of our clients.”

TBG will continue to operate under its established brand while leveraging Hightower’s expanded resources and infrastructure, and will add a “A Hightower Company” to its name and logo.

“This transaction reflects our focus on building enduring, scaled advisory businesses,” added Restieri. “The Bahnsen Group represents the type of franchise we are committed to further investing in for the long term.”

The transaction is expected to close in the third quarter.

*As of December 31, 2025

About Hightower

Hightower is a wealth management firm that provides investment, financial, and retirement planning services to individuals, families, and institutions, as well as 401(k) consulting and cash management services to corporations. Through its community of advisor businesses, Hightower offers sophisticated planning solutions and a robust platform designed to help clients achieve their financial goals.

Headquartered in Chicago with offices nationwide, Hightower serves as a growth partner to independent-minded advisors seeking to scale their practices, elevate the client experience, and access the benefits of a national brand. Learn more about Hightower’s collaborative business model at http://www.hightoweradvisors.com.

Hightower Advisors, LLC is an SEC registered investment adviser. Registration as an investment advisor does not imply a certain level of skill or training. Securities are offered through Hightower Securities, LLC, Member FINRA/SIPC.

About The Bahnsen Group

The Bahnsen Group was founded in 2015 as a lift-out from Morgan Stanley, launching with $600 million in client assets and eight team members. The practice has grown assets under management at an approximate 31% annual organic growth rate over more than a decade and now manages in excess of $9.5 billion in client assets with 100 team members and twelve locations across the United States.

Led by David L. Bahnsen, the practice serves high-net-worth individuals, families, and institutions, with a specialized focus on dividend growth equity investing. The Bahnsen Group is also known for its commitment to thought leadership and content creation, delivering differentiated insights and intellectual capital to its clients.