MINNEAPOLIS, March 2, 2016 /PRNewswire/ — Wealth Enhancement Group, an independent wealth management firm, today announced that it has reached a definitive agreement to acquire HHG & Company, LLC (“HHG”), a wealth management firm based in Darien, Connecticut. Wealth Enhancement Group and its RIA Wealth Enhancement Advisory Services have nearly $4.5 billion in client brokerage and advisory assets and HHG has over $1 billion in assets under management. Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed and the transaction is expected to close in the second quarter of 2016.

The acquisition represents a significant step toward Wealth Enhancement Group’s long-term strategic plan of building a top national wealth management and financial planning brand. Wealth Enhancement Group is expanding in new markets through complementary partner firms’ unique capabilities and scale.

Under the terms of the agreement, all of HHG’s existing personnel will remain with the firm. HHG will continue to be led by George Stapleton, who has been named Regional President.

Based in the Greater Minneapolis area, Wealth Enhancement Group was founded in 1997 and has expanded to serve more than 10,000 households in over 40 states. The firm focuses on supporting the retail mass affluent and affluent investors by providing comprehensive investment and financial planning expertise and resources that are typically available only to large institutional investors and ultra-high net worth individuals. Wealth Enhancement Group successfully expanded into the Chicago market in 2013 and continues to accelerate developments in that area. With the acquisition of HHG, the firm will further expand its presence in the Northeast.

Jeff Dekko, Chief Executive Officer of Wealth Enhancement Group, said, “We are thrilled to partner with the exceptionally talented HHG team to extend our growth strategy to the northeastern United States. Shared values form the foundation of this partnership: Both Wealth Enhancement Group and HHG believe in the importance of team-based, comprehensive financial advice that’s powered by proven, award-winning operational and growth programs. Wealth Enhancement Group is highly selective in choosing new partners, and HHG is a perfect fit for our long-term goals: a growth-oriented firm that puts values at the foreground and is keenly focused on financial planning.”

Mr. Stapleton said, “We are very pleased to partner with Wealth Enhancement Group to drive additional benefits for both our current and future clients. Wealth Enhancement Group’s scale, team planning approach, analytically driven investment strategy and powerful client service model will enable us to provide an even stronger value proposition to the families we serve, from advanced investment management and financial planning recommendations to back-office efficiencies. Our diligence process made it clear that we shared much in common with Wealth Enhancement Group, from our dedication to supporting both clients and employees to our focus on holistic planning.”

Mark F. Vassallo, Managing Partner of Lightyear added, “With ongoing consolidation in the Registered Investment Advisors wealth management sector, we are pleased with the strong platform Wealth Enhancement Group continues to build upon. The partnership with HHG further expands the firm’s presence and we look forward to working with the management team to further grow the business.”

Mr. Dekko concluded, “This strategic acquisition, coupled with Wealth Enhancement Group’s successful organic growth programs, marks another important step toward our ongoing goal of building a leading national wealth management and financial planning brand. Our strategy is to recruit likeminded firms who believe in using proven channels to maximize their ability to help clients, and to help them grow through our commitment to teamwork and comprehensive financial planning.”

About Wealth Enhancement Group
Wealth Enhancement Group is a Greater Minneapolis-based independent wealth management firm offering comprehensive and customized financial planning and investment management services across 40 states. Established in 1997, Wealth Enhancement Group, combined with its wholly owned subsidiary Wealth Enhancement Advisory Services, has nearly $4.5 billion in assets as of December 31, 2015. Wealth Enhancement Group specializes in providing retail clients with comprehensive expertise and resources that are typically available only to large institutional investors and the ultrawealthy. Wealth Enhancement Group uses a team approach with a focus on fostering long-term client relationships and has 12 offices throughout Minnesota, Iowa and Illinois. For more information, please visit www.wealthenhancement.com.

About HHG & Company
Based in Darien, CT, HHG & Company is a Registered Investment Advisor (RIA) that provides financial planning, investment management and tax preparation services to high-net-worth individuals and families. Since its founding in 1986, the firm has grown to manage over $1 billion in assets for clients nationwide.

Securities offered through LPL Financial, Member FINRA/SIPC. Advisory services offered through Wealth Enhancement Advisory Services, LLC, a registered investment advisor. Wealth Enhancement Group and Wealth Enhancement Advisory Services are separate entities from LPL Financial. Wealth Enhancement Group is a registered trademark of Wealth Enhancement Group, LLC.

Wealth Enhancement Group Media Contacts
Joseph Kuo / Chris Clemens
Haven Tower Group
424 652 6520 ext 101 or ext 102
jkuo@haventower.com or cclemens@haventower.com

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SOURCE Wealth Enhancement Group