Mariner Acquires Pair of Firms Combining for $1.7 Billion in AUA
Private, national financial services firm Mariner announced the acquisition of two firms, Forté Capital and Ultra Financial Partners, adding a combined approximately $1.7 billion in assets under advisement and expanding the firm’s capabilities in advising both individual- and family-client relationships.
Founded in 1996 and based in Rochester, N.Y., Forté Capital provides comprehensive portfolio management and wealth planning services to nonprofits, individuals, families, and institutions with clients in more than 20 states.
The firm’s managing directors – David Henion, CPA, Adil Masood, CPA, and Edmond Sheidlower, CMFC – are known for their data-driven investment approach, integrated tax strategy, and commitment to long-term client relationships. Forté Capital marks the firm’s second Mariner location in Upstate New York and fifth in the state.
Forté Capital’s services include investment management, tax and estate planning coordination, retirement plan consulting, and nonprofit advisory services. Through the transaction, Mariner gains a seasoned team of 13 advisers and 16 total associates, who will continue serving clients from Forté Capital’s existing Rochester location.
“For more than 20 years, we’ve built Forté Capital around the idea that sound financial guidance should evolve with our clients through every stage of life,” said Henion. “As our firm continued to grow, we recognized the opportunity to expand our offerings in a way that better serves our clients and allows us to attract new ones. Joining with Mariner allows us to do exactly that while leveraging the scale of its programs to drive long-term growth.”
Mariner has also acquired Scottsdale, Ariz.-based Ultra Financial Partners, a full-service retirement and financial planning firm specializing in advising federal employees, physicians, and business owners, as well as individuals and families. Established in 2021, the firm integrates private and public investments – creating tailored, innovative solutions that empower clients to achieve their financial goals with confidence. The team of four will integrate offices with one of Mariner’s two existing locations in Scottsdale, maintaining its four offices in the state.
Logan Varela, president of Ultra Financial Partners, said: “Our mission has always been to deliver exceptional value, a philosophy that has guided our client-centric practice and reinforced the deep commitment we bring to innovation and personalized service. We look forward to collaborating with Mariner’s team of industry-leading professionals to further enhance our clients’ financial success.”
“The firms that stand out are the ones that anticipate how client needs will evolve over time,” said Marty Bicknell, chief executive officer and president of Mariner. “David is a highly respected leader who has built a business that delivers real value to his clients. The Forté Capital team will continue to thrive under the Mariner name and contribute immediately to the growth of our organization.”
Bicknell continued, “Likewise, Ultra Financial’s expertise in blending private and public investment strategies, paired with its niche of servicing federal employees, introduces a distinctive edge to Mariner’s suite of capabilities.”
The deals will close on Aug. 31, and Sept. 30, 2025, respectively, with both firms adopting the Mariner name and branding.
Founded in 2006 with $300 million in assets under advisement, Mariner and its affiliates now advise on over $577 billion in assets, as of June 30.
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