^{A thoughtful Path Forward}
Your legacy deserves more than a transaction

We are people-focused and business-minded. Typically, firms built around long-term client relationships are best aligned with our approach. Cultural compatibility is just as important as firm size or location. We are looking for advisors who care deeply about their clients, employees, reputation, and the continuity of what they have built.

The first conversation is an opportunity to get to know one another. We will ask about your firm, your clients, your team, your goals, and what a successful transition would look like to you. You can ask candid questions and explore whether there may be a mutual fit, with no obligation to move forward.

If both parties are interested in continuing the conversation, the next step is typically to complete a mutually approved nondisclosure agreement before sharing more detailed or confidential information.

Take the time you need. The purpose of this process is to determine whether SPFG is the right steward for your clients, your team, and the legacy you have built.

The initial conversation requires only a general understanding of your firm, your goals, and your preferred timeline. If both parties decide to continue, SPFG will typically request financial, client, operational, technology, legal, and compliance information. The diligence process is organized in stages, so you know what is needed, why it matters, and what comes next.

Confidentiality is treated as essential from the first conversation. Early discussions can remain exploratory, and detailed firm information is shared only after appropriate confidentiality protections are in place. Access to confidential information is limited to the individuals and professional partners who need it to evaluate and support a potential transaction.

We begin with established industry valuation methods and consider factors such as recurring revenue, assets under management, client demographics, retention history, growth trends, operational structure, and current market conditions. Just as importantly, we take time to understand the qualities that make your firm distinct. Our goal is to provide a thoughtful valuation and explain the reasoning behind it clearly.

We appreciate individuals who come prepared with information to help with a smooth conversation regarding their business! While having a valuation completed by a third party is very helpful, there are multiple ways to reach an agreement on value. We prefer to work toward a solution that fits both your needs and ours, which may include staggered payments to help offset tax liability, different allocations of a lump-sum payment based on timing preferences, and incentives for future opportunities, etc. These are a few examples of customized arrangements we have used in past transitions.

A typical process may take approximately six to nine months from the initial conversation through closing. This is followed by several months of continued transition and support for integration. The timing can be adjusted based on the complexity of the firm, regulatory requirements, client needs, and the pace that feels appropriate to both parties.

Client continuity guides every part of the transition. Together, we develop a communication and service plan that helps clients understand what is changing, what will remain familiar, and who will be responsible for serving them. Whenever appropriate, the process may include personal introductions, joint meetings, coordinated communications, and ongoing follow-up.

SPFG's team-based model is designed to add depth around each relationship without making the experience feel impersonal. Clients have access to advisors, client service professionals, and leadership, with clear responsibility for follow-up and ongoing planning. The goal is for clients to continue feeling known, heard, and cared for.

Employee continuity is discussed early in the process. We consider each team member's role, experience, client relationships, institutional knowledge, and cultural fit. Although employment decisions depend on the circumstances of each transaction, our objective is to communicate clearly, treat people respectfully, and preserve valuable continuity whenever possible.