The Torrance, California-based consolidator’s newest strategic minority investment, marking a first for Ares, will help advance the RIA’s talent acquisition, M&A strategy, and other priorities.
EP Wealth Advisors has announced a new strategic investment from Ares Management, marking the first time the global alternative investment manager has taken a significant minority stake in a US RIA.
The deal, expected to close in October, brings Ares alongside Berkshire Partners, which has been a minority equity partner in EP Wealth since 2020.
According to a statement Tuesday morning, the additional capital is set to help the California-based consolidator – which reported $40 billion in assets as of August 31 – advance its multi-year growth strategy, with a focus on talent acquisition, technology upgrades, client-facing services, and further M&A activity.
The California-based RIA has already completed eight M&A partnerships in 2025 – including last month’s acquisition of $380 million Marin Financial Advisors – and grown its assets under management to nearly $40 billion as of August 31. EP Wealth’s co-founders, Derek Holman and Brian Parker, will retain meaningful ownership and continue in their current roles, while the management team remains in charge of day-to-day operations.
“Our firm was founded on the belief that taking care of clients by providing quality service and solutions fosters strong relationships that drive long-term success,” said CEO Ryan Parker. He added that this approach “has guided our firm’s efforts and fueled our growth over the last twenty-six years, and it is the foundation that will propel us for decades to come.”
Parker said the firm is “thrilled to have found a partner in Ares who fully supports our mission and will fortify our efforts to grow while sustaining the governance, passion, and culture on which EP Wealth is built.”
Ares Management’s involvement is notable for its broader investment strategy. The firm, which manages over $572 billion in assets globally, has recently made headlines for its aggressive moves in the sports, media, and entertainment sectors.
It raised a dedicated $3.7 billion Sports, Media and Entertainment fund in 2022, through which it has invested in high-profile franchises including Atlético de Madrid, the San Diego Padres, McLaren Racing, Inter Miami CF, Olympique Lyonnais, and Chelsea FC. This summer, it revealed a media and entertainment fund aimed at individual investors, which will extend debt and equity investments to sports leagues, teams, and sports-adjacent businesses as well as media and entertainment firms.
“EP Wealth has established itself as a leader in the RIA industry, with a demonstrated track record driven by its advisors’ unwavering commitment to client service,” said Jordan Smith, partner in the Ares private equity group. Smith said the firm’s “entrepreneurial culture and growth mindset, supported by the combined resources and experience of Ares and Berkshire Partners, will enable the company to build on its leadership position and compound long-term growth.”
Berkshire Partners, which has supported EP Wealth’s expansion since 2020, is known for its focus on high-growth financial services firms.
“We’re proud to continue our investment in EP Wealth, which reflects our deep conviction in the management team and long-term growth potential of the business,” said Dave Bordeau, managing director at Berkshire Partners. “We’re thrilled to partner with Ares, whose strategic vision for EP Wealth and experience align closely with ours.”
EP Wealth also recently secured a $500 million debt package, including a $400 million term loan and a $100 million revolving credit facility, to support its growth plans and future acquisitions. Credit ratings agencies S&P Global and Moody’s assigned speculative grade ratings to the firm’s new facility, noting that the equity infusion from Ares is expected to bring down leverage modestly as the company continues to prioritize reinvestment and expansion.
“This financing reflects the strength and growth of EP Wealth,” EP Wealth CFO Christopher Toumajian said in a statement at the time. “Ultimately, this positions us to continue building long-term value while keeping our focus on delivering exceptional service to the families and individuals who trust us.”
