EP Wealth Sets Up in the Music City, Acquires $600M RIA 

EP Wealth Advisors has acquired Nashville, TN-based Criterion Capital Advisors, LLC, which has $500 million in assets under management. This marks the firm’s first acquisition of 2025, its first office in Tennessee, and an expansion of its footprint in the Southeast. 

Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. 

Founded in 2005 by Allen Horner and partners Mark Pierce and Scott Freeman, Criterion is a wealth manager that offers portfolio management, retirement planning, and risk management. 

“At EP Wealth, our growth is fueled by partnering with entrepreneurs across the country who share our values and are looking to leverage additional resources to deliver outstanding experiences to their clients,” said Ryan Parker, EP Wealth CEO. “Criterion is the latest example of a firm built on personalized service that helps clients work toward achieving their long-term financial goals.” 

The EP Wealth – Criterion deal was the second major transaction announced in Nashville this week. Serial acquirer Mercer Global Advisors also closed a deal with a $660 million registered investment advisor (RIA) in the Nashville metro area, marking its first acquisition in that location as well. 

Torrance, CA-based EP Wealth ended 2024 with $31 billion in its coffers following the acquisition of Executive Wealth Management, LLC., a Michigan-based registered investment advisor with $1.6 billion in assets. The announcement was in January, but the deal closed in December. 

Connect Money will spotlight rising stars who have made a valuable contribution to the wealth management industry. Based on your nomination, we will recognize professionals who have significantly influenced both the workplace and community. The deadline is February 26. Click here to submit your nominations.