Cerity Partners to Merge with $2B Wealth Firm in Iowa

Mega registered investment advisor Cerity Partners has inked a deal to merge with Iowa-based Gilbert & Cook, a wealth management firm, marking the RIA’s entry into the state’s market.  

The firm brings about $2 billion in assets under advisement and roughly 40 members to Cerity Partners. 

West Des Moines, IA-based Gilbert & Cook, which launched in 1993, provides financial planning, investment management, business owner consultation, estate planning, family office services, and private markets investing to high-net-worth clients, including individuals, families, and business owners. 

Following the merger, which is expected to close at the end of this month, Gilbert & Cook will function under the Cerity Partners name and gain access to Cerity’s suite of wealth management services, the RIA stated. 

The acquisition marks Cerity’s ninth transaction for the year, a company spokesperson confirmed to Connect Money. 

“For more than 30 years, our mission has been centered on building relationships—with our clients, with one another, and with the community we are proud to call home—to help clients navigate life’s financial decisions through trusted and thoughtful guidance,” said Linda Cook, founder and managing partner of Gilbert & Cook. 

Recently, Cerity Partners merged with Oregon-based RIA Cordant Wealth Partners, marking its first office in the state’s market. 

New York City-based Cerity Partners is majority-owned by private equity firm Genstar Capital and manages roughly $161 billion for about 26,000 accounts, according to its Form ADV last updated July 13.