Hightower to Acquire The Bahnsen Group, an Affiliated RIA With $9.5B in AUM
Chicago-based Hightower Advisors has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire The Bahnsen Group, a wealth management practice it has been affiliated with since 2015 that oversees approximately $9.5 billion in assets under management as of Dec. 31, 2025.
The deal formalizes a relationship that began in 2015, when David Bahnsen joined Hightower with $600 million in client assets. Over the past decade, The Bahnsen Group has recorded an annual organic growth rate of more than 30%, according to Hightower, scaling into a national practice with approximately 100 professionals across 12 locations, including Newport Beach, New York City, Nashville and Palm Beach.
The Bahnsen Group serves high-net-worth individuals, families and institutions, with a focus on dividend growth equity investing.
For Hightower, the acquisition is designed to integrate TBG more deeply into the firm’s infrastructure – spanning technology, compliance, operations and adviser services – to support both organic growth and additional acquisitions.
“This is a natural evolution of a highly successful partnership,” said Larry Restieri, chief executive officer of Hightower. “This next phase allows us to further align strategically and bring the full capabilities of Hightower to support their continued growth, both organically and through acquisitions.”
As part of the transaction, The Bahnsen Group will maintain its existing brand while adding the descriptor “A Hightower Company” to its name and logo. David Bahnsen will continue as founder and managing partner and will lead the practice as it becomes a regional hub for future advisory team integrations.
“With deeper integration across Hightower, we are well-positioned to continue investing in our team and pursuing both organic growth and strategic opportunities,” said Bahnsen. “This venture leverages the strengths of each party to the benefit of our clients.”
The transaction is expected to close in the third quarter of 2026.
Hightower provides investment, financial, and retirement planning services to individuals, families, and institutions.
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