Hightower has bought a stake in Financial Planning and Information Services, a registered investment adviser that manages more than $1.1 billion in assets under management out of De Pere, Wis. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.
This represents Hightower's fifth investment this year and follows last week's news that he agreed to take a majority stake in NEPCan institutional consulting firm and chief investment officer.
FPIS was founded in 1985 by Lon Mishler, and the firm is currently led by President and CEO Ryan Wempe and Vice Presidents Dan Budinger and Rachel Brown. The Hightower deal will allow the RIA to promote Brock Becker and Carl Ekstrom, associate advisors, to partner. The 16-person team will retain its brand.
“As our client-focused practice continues to grow, we are pleased to join the Hightower team, gaining access to new services and tools that will help us better guide our clients through triumphs and challenges of life,” said Wempe.
Growth Strategies Advisor advised FPIS on the deal.
Hightower's services to firms include driving organic and inorganic growth through business development consulting, marketing and technology support, as well as compliance, accounting, payroll and human resources services.
Chicago-based Hightower operates as an RIA and works with firms in 35 states and Washington, D.C. With the addition of NEPC, Hightower and its affiliates will represent over $1.8 trillion in assets under advisement and $258 billion in assets under management.
Hightower is owned by private equity firm Thomas H. Lee Partners; in May, WealthManagement.com reported that the private equity firm took Hightower off the market because did not receive the award according to sources close to the firm and the investment bankers involved, it was sought after by potential buyers.
in April, Hightower named Gurinder Ahluwaliathe principal director of the firm's board of directors, as president, a newly created position. Ahluwalia is an executive partner in THL's financial technology and services vertical.