MASECO acquired by US-based wealth manager Creative Planning

US-based wealth management firm Creative Planning has announced its acquisition of UK-based MASECO, subject to regulatory approval.

MASECO is a wealth management company based in London and will become part of the Creative Planning group.

The acquisition will see Creative Planning adding 123 employees and more than $5bn of assets under management (AUM).

MASECO was founded in 2008 to support internationally mobile families with cross-border wealth management through tax-efficient investment solutions across the US and UK.

Spencer House Partners and Houlihan Lokey served as merger & acquisition advisers on the deal, while Paul Weiss and Herbert Smith Freehills acted as legal counsel.

The deal represented Creative Planning’s second international acquisition, following its purchase of Switzerland-based Baseline Wealth Management in January.

“We’re thrilled to have MASECO join Creative Planning,” said Creative Planning president and CEO, Peter Mallouk.

“Their planning-led approach, client-first culture and expertise in integrating US, UK and offshore financial solutions align perfectly with Creative Planning’s philosophy.

“This acquisition will extend our growing international footprint and expands our ability to deliver Creative Planning’s integrated wealth management model to more clients around the world, providing a fully coordinated platform of financial planning, investment management, retirement and estate planning, trust and tax services, and family office solutions.”

MASECO co-founders and managing partners, Josh Matthews and James Sellon, added: “MASECO was founded as a planning-led, highly tax-aware wealth management firm designed so that investment management and financial planning work seamlessly together with the aim of delivering superior outcomes for US and internationally mobile clients.

“Creative Planning shares a similar philosophy, fiduciary culture, evidence-based approach to investing, and commitment to delivering a truly integrated wealth management experience for clients.

“By combining MASECO’s cross-border expertise with Creative Planning’s scale, technology and global capabilities, we believe we can not only continue delivering the high level of service our clients expect but also raise the standard of advice and broaden the range of services available to US citizens and international families living outside the United States.”

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