Key Takeaways
- • Ares Management has acquired a significant minority stake in EP Wealth Advisors, a registered investment adviser managing nearly $40 billion in assets as of August 31, 2025, joining existing minority partner Berkshire Partners in the firm.
- • The transaction closed in September 2025, with Ares, Berkshire Partners, and EP Wealth's management each holding non-majority, non-controlling positions in the RIA structure.
- • EP Wealth has completed eight M&A partnerships during 2025 and grown AUM to approximately $40 billion, demonstrating accelerated growth in the registered investment adviser space.
- • The investment positions Ares alongside established institutional capital in a high-growth wealth management platform, expanding Ares' exposure to the RIA sector through a minority equity structure.
Summary
Ares Management has closed its acquisition of a significant minority stake in EP Wealth Advisors, a move that reflects continued consolidation and capital deployment in the registered investment adviser sector. The transaction positions Ares alongside Berkshire Partners, which has maintained minority equity exposure in EP Wealth since prior to this announcement, according to publisher reporting dated September 30, 2025.
EP Wealth Advisors, based in Torrance, California, manages nearly $40 billion in assets under management as of August 31, 2025. The firm has demonstrated substantial growth momentum throughout 2025, completing eight M&A partnerships during the year. The deal structure allocates three non-majority, non-controlling positions equally among Ares, Berkshire Partners, and EP Wealth's management team, preserving operational independence while introducing additional institutional capital.
This transaction underscores Ares Management's broader strategy of investing in alternative asset management platforms and wealth management businesses. The investment provides Ares exposure to the growing RIA market segment without assuming controlling influence, a structure that has become increasingly common as large asset managers seek stakes in boutique and mid-market wealth advisers.
The closed transaction follows market trends in which institutional private capital firms have increased RIA sector participation, recognizing the demographic tailwinds and recurring revenue characteristics of registered investment adviser models. The deal reflects confidence in EP Wealth's management team and growth trajectory, particularly given the firm's demonstrated ability to execute M&A integrations and expand assets under management in 2025.
EP Wealth Advisors, based in Torrance, California, manages nearly $40 billion in assets under management as of August 31, 2025. The firm has demonstrated substantial growth momentum throughout 2025, completing eight M&A partnerships during the year. The deal structure allocates three non-majority, non-controlling positions equally among Ares, Berkshire Partners, and EP Wealth's management team, preserving operational independence while introducing additional institutional capital.
This transaction underscores Ares Management's broader strategy of investing in alternative asset management platforms and wealth management businesses. The investment provides Ares exposure to the growing RIA market segment without assuming controlling influence, a structure that has become increasingly common as large asset managers seek stakes in boutique and mid-market wealth advisers.
The closed transaction follows market trends in which institutional private capital firms have increased RIA sector participation, recognizing the demographic tailwinds and recurring revenue characteristics of registered investment adviser models. The deal reflects confidence in EP Wealth's management team and growth trajectory, particularly given the firm's demonstrated ability to execute M&A integrations and expand assets under management in 2025.
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