Hightower to Acquire $9.5B Flagship Franchise The Bahnsen Group

Hightower has agreed to acquire The Bahnsen Group, one of its flagship franchises overseeing approximately $9.5 billion in assets under management, as the firm continues to consolidate high-performing partners onto its core platform.

The transaction marks a significant milestone in a decade-long partnership and is expected to enhance Hightower’s ability to invest behind TBG’s brand, expand its national footprint and further develop its platform capabilities.

“This is a natural evolution of a highly successful partnership,” said Larry Restieri, CEO of Hightower. “David and his team have built a leading wealth management business with a clear investment philosophy and strong client relationships.”

Founded in 2015 following a lift-out from Morgan Stanley, TBG has grown from approximately $600 million in client assets into a national advisory firm with 12 offices across key markets, supported by roughly 100 professionals. The firm is known for its dividend growth equity investing approach and robust thought leadership platform.

“With deeper integration across Hightower, we are well positioned to continue investing in our team and pursuing both organic growth and strategic opportunities,” said David Bahnsen, Founder and Managing Partner of TBG.

Under the agreement, TBG will integrate more fully with Hightower’s technology, operations, compliance and wealth solutions infrastructure, strengthening its ability to scale.

The transaction, expected to close in the third quarter, follows Hightower’s recent expansion of its W-2 advisory platform through its Signature Wealth channel.