EP Wealth Advisors, a Torrance-based registered investment advisory firm with $40 billion under management, sold a minority stake of its business to Ares Management Private Equity Funds.
Terms of the agreement were not disclosed, though it’s expected to close by the end of the month.
Ares Management’s investment will align with EP Wealth’s existing minority equity partner, Berkshire Partners. It will also provide strategic support and additional growth capital to advance some of its “key corporate goals,” according to EP Wealth.
“Our firm was founded on the belief that taking care of clients by providing quality service and solutions fosters strong relationships that drive long-term success,” said Ryan Parker, EP Wealth’s chief executive, in a statement. “We are thrilled to have found a partner in Ares who fully supports our mission and will fortify our efforts to grow while sustaining the governance, passion, and culture on which EP Wealth is built.”
Ares Management Corp., the Century City-based parent company of Ares Management, has $572 billion of assets under management, according to PitchBook.
Growth track
EP Wealth has been on the growth path, alone making seven acquisitions in 2024. The announcement about this investment comes after EP Wealth made its eighth acquisition for 2025, when it purchased Better Money Decisions for an undisclosed amount. The Santa Fe advisory firm added about $370 million in assets under management to EP’s existing assets and built on its mission to expand its Southwest footprint. From July 2024 to June, EP Wealth’s assets had increased by about 39%.
In its latest announcement, EP Wealth said Ares Management’s investment allows room to pursue more mergers and acquisitions. The investment will also support investments in technology and talent acquisition.
“EP Wealth has established itself as a leader in the RIA industry, with a demonstrated track record driven by its advisors’ unwavering commitment to client service,” said Jordan Smith, partner in Ares Private Equity Group. “We believe EP Wealth’s entrepreneurial culture and growth mindset, supported by the combined resources and experience of Ares and Berkshire Partners, will enable the company to build on its leadership position and compound long-term growth.”
According to the announcement, EP Wealth management will retain control over the company and its board.
Co-founders Derek Holman and Brian Parker “will maintain meaningful ownership in the organization and continue in their current roles as active advisors and leaders,” the company said.
The management team will also remain at the helm of its strategic initiatives and daily operations, with runs more than 54 offices across the nation.
