#United States #Berkeley #Bay Area #NorthRock Partners #Parkside Advisors

NorthRock Partners Expands Bay Area Footprint

In a strategic move, NorthRock Partners, a well-regarded financial and lifestyle advisory firm, has successfully acquired Parkside Advisors, a top-rated Registered Investment Advisor firm based in the San Francisco Bay Area. This acquisition, announced on July 15, 2025, marks NorthRock's commitment to growing its integrated service model and expanding its reach within one of America's most economically vibrant regions.

Acquisition Details

The acquisition of Parkside Advisors brings in over $800 million in assets under management (AUM) to NorthRock, which now manages a total of $8.6 billion across 2,800 clients. This new addition not only enhances NorthRock's operational capability but also amplifies its local expertise, allowing it to better tailor its services to high-net-worth clients in Northern California. According to Sean Baenen, Managing Partner at NorthRock, this acquisition illustrates the firm’s dedication to providing impactful financial advice.

"Parkside shares our passion for delivering comprehensive, relationship-driven advice," explained Baenen. He noted that Parkside's established reputation among corporate executives, technology professionals, and entrepreneurs closely aligns with NorthRock's innovative Personal Office® model, which offers an all-encompassing approach to wealth management.

The Benefits of Integration

Founded with a vision to deliver integrated financial planning solutions, Parkside Advisors specializes in catering to clients with complex financial needs. By joining forces, NorthRock and Parkside will provide a spectrum of services encompassing investment strategies, tax planning, estate management, and lifestyle consultations. This synergy is expected to improve decision-making for clients and assist them in achieving both financial security and personal fulfillment.

Managing Principals Charlie Benziger and Audrey Grubman, along with their advisory team, are now part of NorthRock, consolidating their expertise and commitment within the firm. The establishment of a new NorthRock office in Berkeley complements existing locations in San Francisco and San Rafael, thus solidifying NorthRock’s presence in the Bay Area.

Benziger expressed enthusiasm about the merger, stating, "Joining NorthRock was a decision driven by shared vision and alignment. Their Personal Office® model allows us to provide a more comprehensive suite of financial, tax, estate, insurance, philanthropic, and investment solutions all under one roof. Integrated advice leads to better client decisions which leads to better outcomes."

Future Prospects

NorthRock continues to bolster its national presence with this acquisition while simultaneously expanding into markets like Chicago, Appleton, Raleigh-Durham, and San Francisco. The unified firm plans to sustain growth through specialized services targeting specific demographics including athletes, entertainers, and philanthropists. With a growing reputation in the financial advisory landscape, NorthRock was recognized as a Barron's 2024 Top 100 RIA, depicting its excellence and leadership in the industry.

To learn more about NorthRock Partners and the spectrum of services available, visit NorthRock Partners' official website.

Conclusion

The acquisition of Parkside Advisors highlights NorthRock Partners' commitment to enhancing client services while navigating the challenging landscapes of wealth management. By creating a robust framework for financial advice that focuses on integrated solutions, NorthRock is poised to make a significant impact on the financial well-being of its clients in the Bay Area and beyond.