Simplicity Expands Advisory Platform With Dual Acquisitions

Simplicity Group has expanded its advisory platform with the acquisitions of CPS Horizon Financial Group and ATS Wealth Management, adding capabilities across insurance distribution and investment management.

CPS Horizon, a Milwaukee-based brokerage general agency, specializes in life insurance, annuities, disability insurance and long-term care solutions. Following the transaction, Horizon founder Mike Smith joins Simplicity as a partner, further strengthening the firm’s advisor-focused distribution network.

“Mike has built an exceptional business focused on providing ‘white-glove’ service and deep technical expertise to the advisor community,” said Bruce Donaldson, Partner and CEO of Simplicity. “Their commitment to advisor education and holistic planning aligns perfectly with our core values, and we look forward to supporting their continued growth through our expanded scale and resources.”

Horizon is known for its comprehensive support model, offering advisors assistance in case design, advanced marketing and point-of-sale execution. Through the partnership, the firm will gain access to Simplicity’s broader product suite, proprietary lead-generation tools and expanded training resources.

In a parallel transaction, Simplicity acquired ATS Wealth Management, a hybrid advisory firm based in San Diego and Palo Alto. The deal brings Sandeep Varma, Nisha Varma and Phylip Simmons into the partnership.

ATS provides investment management, retirement and estate planning services with a client-centric approach, complementing Simplicity’s broader wealth and protection platform.

“We have partnered with ATS for more than 15 years and we are thrilled to welcome Sandeep Varma and the ATS team to the Simplicity partnership,” Donaldson said.