#United States #Overland Park, Kansas #Aquiline #Creative Planning #SageView

Creative Planning's Strategic Move into Wealth and Retirement

Creative Planning, a prominent name in investment advising, has announced a significant step in expanding its influence in the wealth and retirement sectors by acquiring SageView Advisory Group. This strategic agreement positions the firm to greatly enhance its wealth management services while complimenting its retirement plan offerings.

Merger Overview and Rationale

As one of the largest registered investment advisors (RIAs) in the United States, Creative Planning aims to amplify its scope through this acquisition. SageView, recognized for its stronghold in retirement plan consulting, will provide Creative Planning with the ability to serve an even broader array of clients. Both firms boast exceptional talent, which will now be united to offer clients enhanced services in both retirement and wealth management sectors.

“Today marks a milestone for both Creative Planning and SageView. By bringing together our resources and expertise, we can significantly enhance our capabilities and better serve our clients,” stated Peter Mallouk, President and CEO of Creative Planning.

Upon completion of the acquisition, the newly merged entity will manage a staggering $640 billion in total client assets. This includes oversight of 11,800 retirement plans and support for over 80,000 private wealth clients across all fifty states and over ninety countries.

Financial Details of the Acquisition

The deal comes as SageView seeks a partnership to continue its growth trajectory. Aquiline, a private investment firm that has been the majority owner of SageView since 2021, will exit its interests in the firm. This acquisition has attracted attention for not only its substantial financial implications but also its strategic fit.

SageView CEO, John Longley, expressed enthusiasm about the merger, stating, “Creative Planning is a fitting partner as we leverage our expertise in retirement planning to help accelerate Creative Planning's institutional retirement services.” Longley’s sentiment reflects the shared vision for continued growth in a competitive market.

The Growing Need for Integrated Services

Since its founding in 1989, SageView has positioned itself as a leader in retirement planning consulting while gradually building its wealth management offerings. This evolution highlights the growing demand for integrated services in financial planning. The merger illustrates how firms are recognizing the necessity of offering comprehensive solutions to clients dealing with complex financial circumstances.

Acquisition-fueled growth is not new for SageView. The firm has previously acquired several advisory entities, including CAP STRAT, which managed assets worth approximately $25 billion. These strategic moves underscore SageView’s commitment to expanding its influence and capabilities within the financial services landscape.

Competitive Landscape and Future Outlook

In a fast-evolving market, the mergers and acquisitions activity reflects ongoing consolidation within the wealth management and retirement planning sectors. With Creative Planning’s ongoing endeavors, including previous acquisitions of Lockton Retirement Services and Mesirow's corporate retirement advisory, the firm is poised to significantly raise the bar for service offerings.

As of June 2025, Creative Planning has been entrusted with managing $202 billion in institutional retirement plan assets, showcasing its capacity and commitment to this sector. The strategic merger is expected to enhance Creative Planning's competitive advantage, leveraging both firms' strengths to meet the increasing demands of clients searching for trustworthy, comprehensive financial solutions.

As this merger unfolds, both clients and industry observers will watch closely to see how the combined expertise and resources shape the future of wealth management and retirement planning, promising a new caliber of service in this vital sector.