Sowell Management Launches Advisor Equity Program with Merchant Investment Backing
Arkansas-based registered investment advisor (RIA) Sowell Management has launched a new advisor partnership program, offering equity stakes to affiliated advisors. This strategic initiative is supported by a minority investment from New York-based private capital firm Merchant Investment Management. With $6.5 billion in assets under management, Sowell has historically grown through organic means but now seeks to accelerate growth and address succession planning challenges. CEO Daryl Seaton highlighted that the partnership provides necessary capital for the equity program and enhances competitiveness in mergers and acquisitions. The program aims to help advisors monetize their businesses, addressing an industry gap where only 15% of advisors have executable succession plans. Merchant was selected for its alignment with independent advisors, extensive network of over 130 partner firms, and commitment to minority positions that preserve operational independence. This move marks a significant shift for Sowell after 25 years, leveraging Merchant’s ecosystem to support practice management, lead generation, and client services while maintaining the firm’s autonomous culture.
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Sowell Management Launches Advisor Equity Program with Merchant Investment Backing
Arkansas-based registered investment advisor (RIA) Sowell Management has launched a new advisor partnership program, offering equity stakes to affiliated advisors. This strategic initiative is supported by a minority investment from New York-based private capital firm Merchant Investment Management. With $6.5 billion in assets under management, Sowell has historically grown through organic means but now seeks to accelerate growth and address succession planning challenges. CEO Daryl Seaton highlighted that the partnership provides necessary capital for the equity program and enhances competitiveness in mergers and acquisitions. The program aims to help advisors monetize their businesses, addressing an industry gap where only 15% of advisors have executable succession plans. Merchant was selected for its alignment with independent advisors, extensive network of over 130 partner firms, and commitment to minority positions that preserve operational independence. This move marks a significant shift for Sowell after 25 years, leveraging Merchant’s ecosystem to support practice management, lead generation, and client services while maintaining the firm’s autonomous culture.
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