Mariner Buys Middle-Market M&A Advisory Shop

Mariner, a $245 billion national RIA firm, has acquired Woodbridge International, a middle-market mergers and acquisition consulting specialist firm based in New Haven, Connecticut.

The acquisition is aimed at bolstering Mariner’s position as a comprehensive financial advisory firm, according to Marty Bicknell, CEO and president of Mariner, while deepening its expertise in sell-side M&A advisory services.

“The integration of Woodbridge International into the Mariner family marks a transformative step in our mission to deliver comprehensive, client-focused financial services,” Bicknell said in a statement.

The announcement cites Woodbridge’s “impressive history of successful transactions” and its “seamless alignment” with Mariner’s core values as key drivers of the deal.

“This acquisition enables us to broaden our service offerings, empowering our clients to navigate the complexities of M&A with greater confidence and precision,” Bicknell added.

In addition to its U.S. presence, Woodbridge has an office in Cape Town, South Africa. Its global database of potential buyers and sellers covers some 8,400 private equity groups and 410,000 strategic companies, according to the announcement.

“For our team, joining forces with Mariner opens up incredible avenues for growth,” said Robert Koenig, CEO of Woodbridge International. “We now have a clear path to potentially double our business within the next few years. … This is an exciting time for Woodbridge, especially as we aim to capture the anticipated wave of baby boomer business exits.”

Bicknell said the acquisition would strengthen Mariner’s ability to support its 1,200 business owner clients, particularly during business ownership transitions.

Woodbridge International will maintain its current offices and continue to operate under its established brand for a period of time, ensuring continuity for its clients and employees.

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