Edelman Financial Engines, the nation’s top independent financial planning and investment management firm, today announced the acquisition of Viridian Advisors, an independent, 100% employee-owned firm providing comprehensive financial planning, investment management, and tax planning and preparation services to individuals, families, and businesses. The transaction is expected to close in the second quarter of 2021.
Based in Bothell, Washington, Viridian manages over $846 million for more than 800 clients.1 The acquisition allows Edelman Financial Engines to continue to grow and expand its offering by adding a team of CPAs, financial advisors, and client service associates to its nationwide network to provide clients with bundled financial planning, investment management, and tax planning services.
"Through our mergers and acquisitions over the last 5 years, we have thoughtfully built a unique RIA and planning platform that delivers high-quality and high-touch personalized financial help to our nearly 1.3 million clients today," commented Larry Raffone, President & Chief Executive Officer, Edelman Financial Engines. "The acquisition of Viridian marks the beginning of a new chapter of growth for our business, our clients and how we serve them.”
“As our clients’ financial lives become more complex, we need to anticipate and adapt to their needs,” added Jason Van de Loo, Executive Vice President and Head of Retail, Edelman Financial Engines. “Through this acquisition, we are adding a successful tax practice to our platform and adding depth to our team of financial planners who share a commitment to delivering a rich, best-in-class client experience. This broader offering will appeal to new clients, deepen relationships with existing clients and attract the best planner talent to Edelman Financial Engines.”
“I am very proud of what we have accomplished at Viridian and am excited about the opportunity to achieve my vision and develop a distinctive tax practice platform on a nationwide scale as part of the #1 independent RIA in the industry,” said Adriel Tam, Chief Executive Officer, Viridian Advisors.
Adriel Tam will join Edelman Financial Engines as the Head of its Tax Practice.
Baker & McKenzie International served as Edelman Financial Engines’ counsel in connection with the transaction. Stokes Lawrence, P.S. served as Viridian’s counsel.
This article originally appeared on BusinessWire.
