Merit Establishes Michigan Office with TL Financial Group Acquisition
Merit Financial Advisors, a Georgia-based financial advisory firm that specializes in financial planning and wealth management solutions for high-net-worth individuals and families and those navigating life transitions, announced that it has acquired TL Financial Group.
The acquisition marks Merit’s first office in Michigan and expands the firm’s presence into the Detroit metropolitan area, adding approximately $217 million in total assets.
Based in Southgate, Michigan, TL provides comprehensive wealth management services for high-net-worth individuals, pre-retirees, and retirees, with a focus on financial, estate, and tax planning.
Tony LaJeunesse, founder and president of TL, will join Merit as wealth manager, area director, and partner, along with his team.
“Expanding into a new state isn’t just about the geography; it’s about having the right people in place,” said Zach Mersberger, managing principal and partner at Merit. “TL’s team is deeply rooted in the Detroit area community and brings deep planning expertise, long-term client relationships, and a client-first culture. This is precisely the type of firm we look for as we thoughtfully introduce Merit to new markets.”
This marks Merit’s fifty-fourth acquisition following the recent acquisition of SSC Wealth, LLC, which enhanced the firm’s platform through a strategic advisor-CPA partnership and added $259.6 million in assets.
“I’m incredibly excited about this next chapter and what it means for the families we serve,” said LaJeunesse. “As our team has grown, it became clear that partnering with a firm that shares our values was the right next step. Merit provides the resources and infrastructure that allow our team to remain focused on delivering thoughtful planning and disciplined investment guidance. Together, this partnership strengthens our ability to support our clients for the years ahead.”
The transaction was finalized on January 23 and was advised by M&A consultants Austin Moon and Jeff Nash of Bridgemark Strategies, an M&A consulting firm specializing exclusively in the wealth management industry. The financial and legal terms of the deal were not disclosed.
Amanda Umpierrez is the Managing Editor of 401(k) Specialist magazine. She is a financial services reporter with nearly a decade of experience and a passion for telling stories and reporting news. She is originally from Queens, New York, but now resides in Denver, Colorado.