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GTCR's Strategic Investment in Winged Keel Group

In a move that signifies a robust venture in the financial sector, GTCR, a prominent private equity firm, has declared its strategic investment in Winged Keel Group, a distinguished independent life insurance brokerage firm. This partnership, announced on January 13, 2025, just as Winged Keel experiences remarkable geographic expansion, seeks to amplify the company's growth trajectory while enhancing its client service and technological capabilities.

As the inaugural outside investor in Winged Keel, GTCR will acquire majority ownership. Winged Keel is recognized for offering tailored life insurance solutions and investment strategies to a wide array of clients, including high-net-worth individuals, family offices, and institutional clients. The alliance intends to fortify the support provided to channel partners within the wealth management industry, thereby contributing to Winged Keel's strategic growth in the market.

Eric Naison-Phillips, the Managing Principal of Winged Keel, will step into the role of Chief Executive Officer, continuing to guide the firm's strategic vision alongside key members of the management team: Michael Mingolelli, Jr., Chelsea Maeda-Wiegand, and Matthew Phillips. This leadership group comprises a diverse, multi-generational team of 20 Principals and over 100 brokerage service professionals, ensuring a comprehensive approach to managing client needs and expectations.

Collin Roche, Co-CEO and Managing Director at GTCR, expressed excitement about this investment, highlighting Winged Keel's impressive track record of performance, the expertise of its leadership, and significant opportunities for scaling operations within a competitive high-net-worth life insurance sector. GTCR anticipates collaborating with Winged Keel’s management to explore growth strategies, including potential acquisitions and talent acquisition to bolster the executive team.

Naison-Phillips praised the firm's long-standing disruptive influence in the life insurance market, emphasizing their commitment to sustainable growth. According to him, partnerships with GTCR will enable Winged Keel to continue delivering cutting-edge life insurance solutions and investment strategies, along with maintaining high-quality service for clients that spans generations.

Winged Keel Group boasts over 35 years of expertise in the life insurance brokerage realm, credited with managing extensive life insurance portfolios designed to assist clients in reaching their wealth accumulation, estate planning, and retirement goals. They currently oversee upwards of $105 billion in life insurance and facilitate transactions exceeding $5 billion annually. This speaks volumes about their stature as a thought leader in an industry defined by reliability and exceptional customer service.

GTCR also brings to the table a wealth of experience and insight developed over four decades of investment in various sectors, including insurance brokerage and wealth management services. Their diverse investment portfolio highlights their capacity to enhance Winged Keel's offerings, providing significant growth potential moving forward.

As Winged Keel prepares for this significant forward leap, it anticipates the closing of the investment by GTCR in early 2025, subject to customary closing conditions. With legal and financial advisors engaged for both parties, preparations are underway for a transition that aims to safeguard and enhance the firm’s legacy in the marketplace.

The partnership signals a promising future for Winged Keel, which looks to not only maintain its outstanding service standards but to deepen its technological advancements and expand its reach into new markets. With the backing of GTCR, the firm is poised to continue its tradition of excellence and innovation in life insurance solutions.