FAQs

  • ADP is a boutique M&A advisory firm with deep roots in the wealth and asset management space. For more than 18 years, we’ve been laser-focused on supporting fee-only and fee-based wealth managers.

    We have advised hundreds of firms —from $100M to $10B+ in assets under management (AUM) — on M&A transactions, strategic growth planning, valuation, and succession.

    Our team brings decades of specialized experience helping independent firms maximize their value and chart the right path forward.

    Visit the ADP Transactions page for the up-to-date list of the latest transactions we have executed.

  • We are not brokers — we are strategic advisors. Our work is bespoke, partner-led, and highly selective. We limit the number of clients we take on to ensure we give each one the attention and expertise they deserve. Our knowledge of the independent wealth management space, deep buyer network, and emphasis on long-term outcomes sets us apart.

    We set our clients on the right course for growth and success, whether that’s internal succession planning, an external sale, buy-side advisory, capital raising or other customized M&A advisory services.

  • Yes — helping firms determine the right strategy to remain independent while enhancing and protecting enterprise value, is a core ADP service. We regularly advise firms on generation two (G2) equity structuring, management transitions, valuation, and internal succession.

    Whether you are transitioning to a G2 team or bringing on a new partner with a book of business, we help structure deals that balance control, economics, and continuity, while increasing enterprise value.

  • We use a combination of income- and market-based valuation methods. This includes an analysis of your adjusted earnings before income taxes, depreciation, and amortization (EBITDA), core historical asset flow rates, client demographics, and fee structures, as well as qualitative factors such as team strength, platform scale, and leadership continuity. Every valuation is tailored to a firm’s unique profile and need, whether for M&A or internal minority transfers.

  • Our sell-side process is structured and strategic. It typically includes:

    • Discovery & Planning: We assess your goals, business model, and value drivers.

    • Valuation: We determine a forward-looking market value range.

    • Go-to-Market: We prepare your firm’s financial package and marketing materials, put together a highly curated list of typically 10-20+ buyers who not only are well-capitalized and have M&A experience, but also exhibit the same cultural characteristics as your firm. We then confidentially approach these vetted buyers on your behalf.

    • Meetings & Diligence: You meet selected buyers; we manage relationships, data sharing and analysis.

    • Negotiation & Close: We help structure and negotiate a winning deal that reflects your professional goals, business model and personal objectives. Along with your legal team, we handle all areas of deal execution.

    The full process usually takes 6–9 months.

  • With more than 18 years of experience executing sell-side and buy-side transactions in the RIA industry, we maintain arms-length, respectful relationships with the C-Suites of all strategic acquirers as well as their corporate development teams.

    ADP regularly meets with acquirers to stay up to date on their company culture, growth strategies, investment philosophies, career growth programs for employees, as well as partnership, compensation and equity models. In a sell-side engagement, we leverage this intel to put together the right buyer list for you.

  • Post-LOI, over 99% of our sell-side clients have closed their transactions. Our high close rate reflects the thorough preparation, strategic positioning, and disciplined process we bring to each engagement.

  • We work on a success-based fee model. Clients typically pay a modest upfront retainer, with most of our compensation tied to the successful closing of a transaction. Fee percentages vary based on transaction size and complexity but are always aligned with your success.

  • From engagement to closing, most transactions take between 6 to 9 months, depending on firm readiness, complexity, and market conditions. Some engagements move faster, others may take longer if there are extenuating considerations.

  • Absolutely. While many of our clients are exploring a sale or merger, we also advise firms that are looking to raise capital and/or acquire other firms.

    The collaborative process begins by developing an acquisition thesis. We search for opportunities and bring the right partners to the table. As with sell-side engagements, we conduct all valuation and deal structure analysis, and we coordinate legal, tax and compliance resources to ensure buy-side transactions are completed correctly.

  • Confidentiality is a cornerstone of our process. We operate under strict NDAs and only share firm information with vetted, qualified parties after your approval. We use a secure virtual data room, and you stay in control of what’s shared, when, and with whom.