PITTSBURGH and ST. PAUL, Minn., Sept. 24, 2013 /PRNewswire/ — Ann Schleck & Co., a strategic provider of business development solutions to retirement service providers, investment managers and consultants, today announced it has been acquired by fi360, an organization focused on fiduciary education that offers support services and industry insights to financial professionals. The move broadens the strengths of two leaders within the financial services industry, forming a unique, integrated firm dedicated to providing their clients with high-quality growth strategies and access to the best research and technology.

Ann Schleck & Co. will operate as a wholly owned independent subsidiary of fi360 in its St. Paul, Minnesota headquarters. Principals Ann Schleck and Sue Kelley will maintain their same active roles within the firm.

“This is a tremendous opportunity for growth, one that will allow us to build our existing programs and bring them to a wider range of retirement institutions and professionals,” said Schleck. “With fi360’s advanced technology platform, we are now exceptionally well positioned to deliver unparalleled industry insights and innovative solutions to our mutual clients, all while maintaining the level of integrity and quality of service that our clients have grown to expect.”

Commented fi360 CEO Blaine Aikin, “Working with Ann and her team will help us further develop our respective solutions for financial professionals, as well as fi360’s comprehensive practice management tools aimed at promoting fiduciary excellence. Together, we can better satisfy an industry need for more creative and research-driven services, which are necessary for building stronger businesses.”

Ann Schleck & Co. also announced it has made senior hires for two newly created positions. Kirsten Feste Taylor has been appointed Creative Director and will lead the firm’s recently established creative agency, providing branding and marketing solutions for retirement and financial professionals. Ms. Taylor was most recently a vice president at Wealth Enhancement Group, where she oversaw marketing, branding and PR strategy. Previously, she held positions at brand agency Yamamoto Moss Mackenzie and Piper Jaffray, a regional investment bank and brokerage firm.

Michael Muirhead joins Ann Schleck & Co. as Vice President of Learning & Development after nearly 12 years at Merrill Lynch, where he was most recently a financial advisor and previously an institutional sales manager. Mr. Muirhead has more than 20 years of investment management experience, having worked with retirement professionals to create successful growth strategies through coaching, training and strategy implementation throughout his career.

“These new positions will play an instrumental role in expanding our already robust service offerings and target client base,” added Schleck. “This is an exciting time for our firm, and it is extremely gratifying to align our strengths and growth objectives with a company of fi360’s caliber.”

About Ann Schleck & Co.
Ann Schleck & Co., LLC is a provider of business strategy, sales, client retention and product development services to retirement providers, fund companies, advisors and consultants. Through its training, tools, technology and industry research, Ann Schleck & Co. delivers valuable insight and actionable recommendations to help its clients grow their business.

About fi360
fi360 offers a comprehensive approach to investment fiduciary education, practice management and support that has established them as the go-to source for investment fiduciary insights. With substantiated Practices as the foundation, fi360 offers world-class fiduciary Training/Education, Tools and Resources that are essential for fiduciaries and those who provide services to fiduciaries to effectively and successfully manage their roles and responsibilities. fi360 assists those who rely on their fiduciary education programs, professional AIF and AIFA designations, Web-based analytical and reporting software and resources to achieve success. For more information about fi360, please visit www.fi360.com or Twitter: @fi360.

SOURCE fi360