Hightower Continues Growth Streak With $2B RIA Acquisition

Vigilant was founded in 2002 and has 31 employees, including 11 wealth advisors. It is led by its three co-founding principals: Jeffrey F. Carlisle, Daniel M. Mulkern and Scott D. Sorensen. The company specializes in providing comprehensive investment and wealth planning solutions to high-net-worth individuals and families, executives, entrepreneurs and business owners.

“We chose to align with Hightower because of their partnership approach — providing scaling and strategic planning resources to our firm, while leaving us with the entrepreneurial freedom to control the identity, culture and strategic direction of Vigilant,” Carlisle said in a statement.

“We also share a focus in developing next-generation talent; the practical examples they shared from the Hightower Center for Leadership, ongoing working groups, and more made it clear that it’s something they have put significant resources behind.”

Vigilant will now “gain access to a variety of value-added resources at Hightower, including middle- and back-office support, business development consulting, marketing expertise, and a nationwide advisor community, which will enable the firm to continue its strong organic growth pace,” Hightower said in the statement.

“Vigilant Wealth Management encompasses everything Hightower looks for in a partner: a holistic wealth management offering, stellar organic growth approach, and impressive leadership team committed to the long-term well-being of its clients and people,” according to Bob Oros, Hightower CEO and chairman.

Hightower offers a variety of services to 132 advisory businesses in 34 states and the District of Columbia.

As of March 31, Hightower had about $148.2 billion in assets under administration. It also had $119.9 billion in AUM, an increase from $113.7 billion as of Dec. 31, it said.

(Pictured: Bob Oros, Hightower CEO and chairman)