Charlotte-based Zermatt Holdings acquires San Diego-based RIA, announces presence in Southern California Market
Charlotte-based Zermatt Holdings announces the acquisition of San Diego-based WFA Wealth Managers. This acquisition serves as Zermatt’s founding Southern California presence, as the holding company soars past $1B AUA.
WFA brings more than 100 years of investment management experience collectively, and over $300 million in assets. As part of the acquisition, WFA’s leadership will be changing, however the fiduciary responsibility to serve clients and provide objective financial guidance will remain the same.
In speaking with two of WFA’s founding partners, Ken Frost and Pete Wheeler, both share their excitement for the changes and what that will mean for their clients, “We’re excited to join the Zermatt team and look forward to combining our shared experience and expertise to enhance our clients’ experience.”
The San Diego based RIA will continue to operate out of their current office, while all home office activities will run out of the Zermatt headquarters in Charlotte, NC. As part of the acquisition, WFA Wealth Managers will rebrand as WFA of San Diego over the next twelve months.
“We are looking for strategic acquisitions in affluent markets – with our background and our affiliations we are able to dramatically grow the advisor count and assets under management. WFA of San Diego was founded in 1984 and brings a very stable business model and solid client base for our entry into Southern California,” said Louis Dworsky, Managing Partner of Zermatt Holdings. Louis has spent over 32 years in the industry with companies such as Prudential, PaineWebber and Merrill Lynch.
The Zermatt Holdings framework was founded in 2018 with a simple approach to growth by cultivating strategic partnerships and associating with experienced, conscientious advisors, allowing Zermatt to serve their clients at the highest level possible. The executive leadership with Zermatt brings over 70 years of combined experience in wealth management, mergers and acquisitions and business management.
Zermatt Holdings has tactically constructed a team of individuals that are focused on building the brand and expanding the footprint. The company has revamped their recruiting process, said Director of Business Development and Chief Operating Officer, Andrea Johnson, “We have invested time to develop processes to target not only individuals with compatible IQs, but compatible EQ’s as well. We have built a solid foundation to support our employees and partners to grow and develop ideas as they become ambassadors of our brand. I couldn’t be more excited about what’s to come.”