EP Wealth Advisors, a fee-only registered investment adviser (RIA), has announced that Ares Management Private Equity funds have signed a definitive agreement to acquire a significant minority stake in the company, joining EP Wealth’s existing minority equity partner, Berkshire Partners. The investment from Ares will provide additional growth capital and strategic support for EP Wealth to advance several key corporate goals, including a deeper investment in talent acquisition, technology, client-facing offerings and services and a greater ability to pursue merger and acquisition partnerships.
EP Wealth’s co-founders, Derek Holman and Brian Parker, will maintain meaningful ownership in the organization and continue in their current roles as active advisors and leaders.
The company’s management team will continue to operate independently and lead strategic and day-to-day decisions.
EP Wealth has completed eight merger and acquisition partnerships in 2025 and
