The group of independent wealth management firms also announced that Alpern Wealth Management and Griffon Financial Planning will join existing Focus Partner Buckingham Strategic Wealth as part of expansion plans across the US. Both transactions are expected to close on January 1 2019, subject to customary closing conditions.

New York-based AG&S provides concierge-style services to clients in the entertainment industry and was founded in 1986. Alpern is based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and has provided specialised wealth solutions to clients since 2012. Focus said the agreement is expected to boost Alpern’s client services offering and expand coverage in Pennsylvania by adding offices in Pittsburgh to existing ones in New Castle and Wyomissing.  

Griffon is a fee-only independent wealth management firm with offices in Bend and Ashland, Oregon. Having been in operation since 2000, the firm offers retirement planning and investment management services. The partnership is expected to increase Griffon’s client base and utilise Buckingham’s back-office support, while taking Buckingham into the Pacific Northwest for the first time, which the firm said is an important step to "increase its national presence."

Focus chief executive and chair Rudy Adolf said the partnership has been “attracting a growing number of independent wealth management firms, with an increase in the ultra-high net worth space in recent years. AG&S will be our first family office and business management firm to be headquartered in New York, making them an ideal hub for additional acquisitions," he said.

He added that Buckingham continues to be “exemplary” in M&A and growth: "Helping to connect like-minded entrepreneurs and turbo charging their growth is what we always strive to do.”