Strategic M&A at GVA

Built for Fit, Focused on Growth

At Great Valley Advisor Group (GVA), we approach every M&A opportunity with intention and precision. Our Acquisition Team evaluates each firm across critical dimensions—geography, demographics, culture, and technology—to ensure a strong strategic fit. The goal: maximize synergies, minimize disruption.

A Seamless Transition Experience

We understand transitions are pivotal. That’s why our experienced M&A team leads with a “boots-on-the-ground” approach, providing:

  • Strategic pre-transition planning and due diligence
  • Smooth post-transition integration and cleanup
  • Real estate and office support
  • Full technology onboarding and data migration
  • Clear, ongoing communication throughout

Whether you’re looking to offload back-office burdens, plan for succession, or scale through a broader platform, GVA is ready to structure and close a deal that aligns with your goals—without surprises.

Let’s explore how GVA can help you unlock your next chapter of growth.

Acquisition

Sell 100% of Your Practice to Great Valley Advisor Group

At GVA, we offer a comprehensive acquisition solution for advisors who are ready to sell their practice and transfer operational responsibilities, while continuing to serve their clients on their terms.

What This Looks Like:

  • 100% Sale of Your Practice – GVA acquires your firm, allowing you to monetize the business you’ve built.
  • GVA Assumes All Operations – Compliance, billing, trading, technology, and back-office support all transition to our centralized platform.
  • Maintain Your Brand – Retain your legacy brand as a DBA (Doing Business As) under the DBA.
  • Negative Consent Transition (if applicable) – Seamlessly transition client accounts where allowed by the custodian and legal guidelines.
  • Legal Review Included – We coordinate a thorough legal review to ensure a compliant, transparent, and efficient transaction.
  • Locate a Local Advisor – We have helped advisors locate and partner with an advisor to assist with their ongoing legacy.

Example Scenario: Adam is 62 and looking to sell his business while continuing to serve his clients. GVA purchases 100% of his practice, assumes operations, and allows Adam to remain as an advisor under a compensation structure that supports his gradual transition into retirement. His clients experience no disruption, and Adam can monetize his life’s work with confidence.

Partnership

Sell 51–75% Ownership Interest of Your Practice to GVA

For advisors who want to de-risk their business but remain actively involved, GVA offers a flexible partnership model that allows you to sell a majority stake while keeping meaningful ownership.

What This Looks Like:

  • Partial Sale (51–75% Ownership) – Monetize a large portion of your practice while retaining equity and upside.
  • GVA Assumes All RIA Operations – Compliance, trading, technology, billing, and administrative functions move to our centralized platform.
  • Remain an Active Leader – Continue to run your office, influence decisions, and focus on client relationships.
  • Strategic Growth Support – Leverage GVA’s infrastructure, expertise, and capital to scale while reducing operational burdens.

Example Scenario: Lisa is 55 and looking to sell 60% of her business. She wants to maintain a stake in the company but join a proven practice that can handle day-to-day operations. By joining GVA, Lisa gains a trusted partner to support her growth and succession plan, while ensuring her clients and staff are in good hands leading up to her retirement.

Capital for Growth

Sell 20–45% Ownership Interest of Your Practice to GVA

For growth-minded advisors who want to stay fully in control while gaining a strategic partner, GVA offers a minority investment structure designed to accelerate expansion.

What This Looks Like:

  • Minority Sale (20–45% Ownership) – Unlock liquidity while maintaining majority control of your firm.
  • Access to GVA’s Full Suite of Resources – Leverage centralized compliance, technology, asset management, and M&A support.
  • You Stay in Charge – Continue to operate your business independently, while benefiting from GVA’s infrastructure and strategic guidance.
  • Capital to Fuel Growth – Use proceeds to invest in talent, acquisitions, marketing, or technology, with a partner who understands advisory growth.

Example Scenario: Chris is 43 and has spent the last 15 years building a strong book of business. He’s ready to grow beyond organic means and wants a capital partner to help acquire smaller firms or add new advisors. Chris sells 30% of his firm to GVA, stays in full control, and gains a strategic partner to help him scale faster.

The GVA Way

Learn more about GVA through our podcast series, Advisor Edge: The GVA Way.

Advisor Edge: The GVA Way – Episode 9

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Advisor Edge: The GVA Way – Episode 8

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