Waverly expands presence in the Mid-Atlantic
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — June 2, 2026 — Waverly Advisors, LLC (“Waverly”), a federally registered investment adviser (“RIA”) that specializes in investment management, financial planning and wealth management solutions for a diverse group of high-net-worth individuals, corporate retirement plans and institutional clients, has acquired WealthPlans, LLC (“WealthPlans”), a wealth management firm based in Frederick, MD. As part of this transaction, Waverly’s affiliate, Waverly Business Services, LLC, has acquired WealthPlans’ affiliate, Cooley & Associates, P.C. (“C&A” and together with WealthPlans, “Cooley”), a tax preparation and accounting services business also based in Frederick, MD. This partnership supports Waverly’s strategic growth and represents Waverly’s second location in Maryland.
Founded by President Brent Cooley, Cooley provides comprehensive financial planning, investment management and tax-efficient strategies tailored to the unique goals of its clients. With decades of experience helping clients navigate complex financial and tax decisions, Brent leads a team that is dedicated to building lasting client relationships. Brent and the entire team will join Waverly, and the acquisition will contribute approximately $250 million in assets (as of 5.26.2026) to Waverly.
“Brent and his team bring exceptional technical expertise and an unwavering commitment to serving clients with integrity,” said Justin Russell, President and CEO of Waverly. “This combination of qualities strengthens the firm’s collective ability to deliver outstanding outcomes and a world-class client experience.”
“Partnering with Waverly gives us access to an expanded suite of resources and a national network of professionals, allowing the team to remain focused on the client relationships we have cultivated over the years,” said Brent. “Our clients will benefit from Waverly’s robust platform capabilities while continuing to receive the personalized service they have come to expect.”
The acquisition of Cooley marks Waverly’s 33rd transaction since accepting an equity investment in December 2021 from Wealth Partners Capital Group (WPCG) and HGGC’s Aspire Holdings platform. The transaction closed on May 29, 2026, and will increase Waverly’s assets under management to approximately $35.5 billion (as of 5.29.2026).
“From the start, it was clear that Brent and Waverly share a commitment to client-centric values and fiduciary responsibility,” said Pete Wheatley, Director at WPCG. “This partnership enhances Waverly’s ability to deliver exceptional client service across the DC Metro area and represents a meaningful step in Waverly’s continued growth.”
Financial and legal terms of the deal will not be disclosed.
About Waverly
Waverly Advisors, LLC (“Waverly”) is a fee-only federally registered investment adviser that serves the investment management and wealth planning needs of a diverse group of clients, including high-net-worth individuals and families, corporate retirement plans, trusts, endowments, and institutions. Waverly manages approximately $35.5 billion in assets (as of 5.29.2026) and offers collaborative investment, tax, estate, and financial planning services. Founded in 1999 in Birmingham, Alabama, the company has 51 offices across the U.S. and a team of over 450 professionals who hold many of the industry’s most prestigious credentials. For more information, please visit www.waverly-advisors.com.
About Wealth Partners Capital Group
Wealth Partners Capital Group (“WPCG”) is a financial services holding company, which invests in and partners with select leading wealth management firms. WPCG supports its partners’ growth by providing capital, organic growth opportunities and strategic M&A expertise, identifying and evaluating wealth advisory practices for its partners to acquire and integrate. For more information, please visit www.wealthpcg.com.
About HGGC
HGGC is a values-driven, partnership-focused private investment firm. The firm’s ecosystem of investors, operators, and professionals are united by the shared mission to develop leading enterprises and build long-term value together. HGGC invests in technology, business services, financial services and consumer enterprises. The firm is based in Palo Alto, CA and manages over $10 billion in assets under management (as of 12.31.2025). Since its inception in 2007, HGGC has completed more than 600 platform investments, add-on acquisitions, recapitalizations, and liquidity events with an aggregate transaction value of over $71 billion. HGGC makes investments in RIAs via its Aspire Holdings platform, which is targeting $300 million of total investment in the space. For more information, including a complete list of current and former investments, please visit www.hggc.com.
Disclosure
Waverly is an independent investment adviser registered under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, as amended. Registration does not imply a certain level of skill or training. More information about Waverly, including investment strategies, fees, and objectives can be found in Waverly’s ADV Part 2A Brochure, which remains available upon request or by visiting Waverly’s website at https://waverly-advisors.com/adv-part-2a-brochure.
Contact:
Robyn Schubart for Waverly Advisors
Director of Marketing
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.waverly-advisors.com
