CC Capital and Motive Partners Finalize Sale of Wilshire to Marsh as Part of Growth Strategy
CC Capital and Motive Partners Sell Wilshire to Marsh
In a significant move reflecting their long-term investment vision, CC Capital and Motive Partners announced an agreement to sell Wilshire, a premier global investment advisory firm, to Marsh, one of the leading professional services firms. Since the acquisition of Wilshire in 2021, both CC Capital and Motive have diligently worked to modernize and strengthen the firm through various strategic initiatives that have positioned Wilshire for substantial future growth.
CC Capital, a private investment firm focused on high-quality businesses, partnered with Motive, a firm specializing in financial technology, to bolster the operations of Wilshire. Their joint efforts included modernizing technological and data infrastructures by implementing cloud-based systems, API-enabled technologies, and enhanced cybersecurity measures. Significant investments made in artificial intelligence (AI) have led to streamlined operating workflows, enhancing overall efficiency.
Furthermore, product development efforts have focused on transforming Wilshire's proprietary intellectual property into innovative investment solutions. The firms restructured Wilshire’s market approach to strengthen sales execution, client coverage, and to widen the sales pipeline. Key acquisitions of firms like XTP, ParkLexington, and Lyxor have further enhanced Wilshire’s alternative investment offerings, expanding their capabilities and solidifying connections with financial intermediaries and retirement providers.
Chinh Chu, Founder and Senior Managing Director of CC Capital, expressed confidence in their investment strategy from the beginning, stating, "We saw an unmistakable opportunity to build on Wilshire's sixty years of expertise and client relationships, and we have positioned the business well for its next growth phase." He emphasized the investments in the team's talent, technology, and data that have been pivotal in achieving this milestone.
Douglas Newton, Co-Founder and Senior Managing Director at CC Capital, shared insights into the value creation strategy that accelerated organic revenue growth through innovative products, enhanced workflows, and targeted acquisitions. He praised the management's dedication in executing this strategy, highlighting the crucial role of Tom Sanzone, the current Executive Chairman, in steering innovation and backing Wilshire's leading market position.
Jason Schwarz, CEO of Wilshire, acknowledged the significant progress made over recent years, noting, "We have strengthened Wilshire's platform, broadened our capabilities, and sharpened our focus on client needs. Our partnership with CC Capital has been invaluable, and we look forward to continuing this journey under Marsh's investment business, where we can further our mission of delivering independent insights, robust investment solutions, and top-notch technology-enabled services on a global scale."
Wilshire now distinguishes itself with a rich 50-year legacy in investment consulting, indexing, and fiduciary advice, paired with a modern, cloud-based platform that encompasses a unified data and analytics stack featuring diverse investment solutions and alternatives. They currently advise on assets worth approximately $1.6 trillion, with a management portfolio totaling around $221 billion.
The strategic decision to sell Wilshire to Marsh is set to close in the first quarter of 2027, pending regulatory approvals and standard closing conditions. This move marks a significant chapter in Wilshire's evolution and positions the firm for continued success in the investment advisory realm.
As both CC Capital and Motive Partners prepare for this next phase, all eyes will be on Wilshire's performance under Marsh, with expectations set high for what transpires in this dynamic investment landscape.