Two firms in Chicago are merging to capitalize on investors’ growing use of alternative investments and rising demand for education on portfolio diversification.

RCM Alternatives, an independent introducing broker, is to join forces with Attain Capital Management, a registered commodity brokerage firm, in a move that will see all of Attain’s employees, fund offerings, education, research and database assets transfer to RCM.

The transaction, the size of which has not been disclosed, is expected to finalize this week.

Both firms are based in Chicago, IL, and provide high net worth individuals, investment advisors and institutional investors with commodity-focused managed futures investments through separately managed accounts and private funds. Attain Capital Management actively allocates to over 40 managers with combined assets over $6 billion.

“RCM has come on quickly the past few years...and joining forces allows us to build out the next generation of investor-focused tools, content, and investments,” said Jeff Malec, chief executive and founding partner of Attain Capital Management. 

As part of the agreement, RCM will also acquire Attain Portfolio Advisors, a registered commodity pool operator and manager of privately offered, commodity-based alternative investment funds.

RCM anticipates continued growth of this business unit through greater distribution across the combined companies and leverage of RCM's advisor-focused educational events.