The integration of the Florida-based firm is Mercer Advisors' largest move to date.

Mercer Advisors, the registered investment advisor based in Santa Barbara, has brought the largest wealth management firm into its embrace so far, GFS Private Wealth. The integration of GFS boosts Mercer’s assets under management to over $12 billion.

The firm has also announced it is opening a new “central hub” headquarters in Denver, Colorado, it said in a statement.

GFS was founded by Greg Willsey and Sandra Nesbit. Based in Clearwater, Florida GFS manages approximately $364 million. GFS’s founders and team will continue to operate out of their existing Clearwater location. Mercer also operates an office in nearby Tampa.

“GFS will bring an expanded footprint for Mercer in the Southeast and add to our talent and expertise.  Mercer’s family office services including estate planning, tax and corporate trustee services will expand and deepen services for GFS clients,” Dave Welling chief executive of Mercer Advisors, said. 

Headquarters
In order to support the firm’s growth and expansion, Mercer is opening a new, full-service central hub in Denver, which will house multiple teams and functions to help support the dozens of Mercer regional offices.

“As part of our vision for an integrated business model, we will continue to invest in our central functions to provide a consistent and superior client and advisor service experience,” added Welling. “Denver is geographically central to our business and will be a great location for our new headquarters and employees, offering a high quality of life, affordability, and access to premium cultural and recreational activities.”

Mercer Advisors, which was founded in 1985, has over 200 employees, and operates nationally through 26 branch offices across the US.