At the start of 2026, mergers and acquisitions (M&A) and
strategic investments remain core tools for alternative asset and
wealth managers seeking growth, succession planning, and platform
expansion. Deal activity in 2025 reflected a continued evolution in
how managers, their founders, and potential investors approached
transactions – shaped by valuation discipline, regulatory
scrutiny, and increasingly bespoke deal structures.
In this article, we highlight notable asset manager M&A
activity in 2025 and share considerations for founders evaluating a
potential transaction in 2026.
In Depth
Aligning manager and investor goals
Before engaging in a strategic transaction, clarify your key
objectives. Are you seeking liquidity or partial cash-out; access
to more resources or a broader distribution platform; funding for a
succession plan; or other unique goals (e.g., seeking
equity opportunities for employees)? Investors often seek one or
more of the following: a
