Advisor Merger Support Info Sheet

Advisor Merger Support FAQ's

What is a merger?

A merger is a combination of two or more books of business/companies into one – generally with the idea of creating synergies and eliminating redundancies, such as staff, management roles, increased payouts, etc. There are true “tax-free reorganizations,” or it can be as simple as the combination of two independent producers.

What is Advisor Merger Support and what's included?

Our Advisor Merger Support service is designed to assist advisors with peer-to-peer mergers where 2+ practices join forces into one larger consolidated team. Our team provides the recommendations, strategies, timeline, pro forma financials, a detailed merger plan and checklist (depending on your service tier selected), and all of the contracts to help you implement your merger plan.

Contracts for merging businesses are numerous and can include for example:

Bylaws & Articles
Operating Agreement
Buy-Sell or Shareholder Agreement
Initial minutes and resolutions
Assignment of Payment Rights (IBD)
Stock/Equity Ledger

What is the difference between a merger and an acquisition?

While acquisitions and mergers can sometimes look similar from an outsider’s perspective since so many sellers remain working part-time for years after a sale, internally, they are fundamentally different. Acquisitions and mergers bring 2+ businesses together into one, but the acquisition is run and managed by the buyer, with the seller being employed by the buyer. A merger is generally managed by both of the merging parties, with no immediate expectation that one of the parties is exiting.

What do I need to provide?

We request you complete a simple questionnaire through our myCompass system to better understand who the parties are and what your collective goals are in the merger. If doing an Elite Merger, our team will also need financials, but these are typically obtained from the valuations.

Should a valuation be completed in advance?

While not required, most parties in a merger do complete a valuation. If you decide to complete a valuation, it is recommended that each merging party complete a valuation with the same valuation company, and using an approach & methodology that is appropriate to each business unit. It is also helpful if both parties review the data inputs and are included in all correspondence.

How is SRG different?

SRG is the best at what we do.

We focus solely on the financial services industry.
We strive for excellence; we are always learning, adapting, and revising our deliverables and resources to ensure that you receive the best, most accurate, and timely solutions in the industry.
We are neutral. We are not affiliated with a broker-dealer or custodian, allowing our experts to provide unbiased advice.
We pride ourselves on service – providing high-touch, high-quality solutions to every client every time.

How do I get started?

Contact us in your preferred method to get started using the following information, or simply chat with us during regular business hours to get assistance.

(503) 427-9910

Schedule a Call

Who would I be working with?

You will have a dedicated consulting team from start to finish, with SRG’s legal and tax counsel supporting each project behind the scenes.

Nicole Frey, CFP
Director of Teaming Solutions