Waverly Advisors Breaks Into the Pacific Northwest with $5B Pacific Portfolio Deal

Waverly Advisors is making a significant strategic move by acquiring Pacific Portfolio Consulting (PPC) and Pacific Portfolio Trust Company (PPTC), both based in Seattle. This transaction not only expands Waverly’s geographic reach into the Pacific Northwest but also brings trust administration into its core service offering.

Deal Summary

• Acquirer: Waverly Advisors, a national RIA focused on wealth management, financial planning, and institutional solutions.
• Target: Pacific Portfolio Consulting (PPC) and Pacific Portfolio Trust Company (PPTC), jointly referred to as Pacific Portfolio.
• Founders / Leadership: PPC was founded in 1992 by Larry Hood, who continues in a leadership role post-transaction.
• Assets Under Management: The combined business brings approximately $5 billion in AUM to Waverly.
• New Service Lines: With PPTC, Waverly gains a state-chartered trust company, enabling expanded trust services.
• Team Integration: The full Pacific Portfolio team has joined Waverly.
• Financial Backing & M&A Track Record: This is Waverly’s 26th acquisition since its equity backing via Wealth Partners Capital Group and HGGC’s Aspire platform in December 2021.
• Transaction Timing: The consulting arm closed on September 26, 2025; the trust company portion closed October 31, 2025.

Industry Context

The wealth management space continues to consolidate rapidly, with larger RIAs expanding both geographically and in service breadth. Adding trust-company capabilities is especially valuable, as trust services can offer recurring, fee-based, and relationship-driven revenue streams. Moreover, by entering the Pacific Northwest, Waverly is aligning with a region known for its high net worth clients and complex estate planning needs. This acquisition gives Waverly both presence and trust expertise on the West Coast - a powerful combination in today's advisory landscape.

Lower-Middle-Market Roll-Up Perspective

From a platform-building standpoint, Waverly’s acquisition of Pacific Portfolio is highly strategic:

1. Geographic Diversification: This is Waverly’s first major move into the Pacific Northwest, broadening its national footprint significantly.
2. Service Expansion: By acquiring a trust company, Waverly isn’t just gaining AUM — it's expanding into wealth planning and fiduciary services.
3. Cultural and Client Alignment: The founders of Pacific Portfolio explicitly cited shared values and long-term client focus as part of their motivation for joining Waverly.
4. Team Retention: Bringing the full PPC / PPTC team into Waverly ensures continuity of client relationships.
5. Scale + Succession: For Waverly, this is another bolt-on that drives AUM growth; for Pacific Portfolio, the deal supports long-term succession, with Waverly’s platform backing.

Why This Sector Is Attractive for Roll-Ups

• Fragmented RIA Landscape: Many strong regional RIAs remain independent, especially in wealth planning and trust advisory, making them attractive for acquisition.
• Recurring, High-Margin Revenue: Trust services often generate steady, long-term fees.
• Demand for Holistic Advice: High-net-worth clients increasingly want integrated wealth management, combining investments, planning, and fiduciary services.
• Succession Opportunities: Founders like those at Pacific Portfolio benefit from joining a larger, well-resourced firm without sacrificing cultural alignment.
• Capital-Backed Platform: Backing from private-equity–style investors (via WPCG / HGGC) gives Waverly the firepower to execute a roll-up strategy effectively.

Conclusion

Waverly’s acquisition of Pacific Portfolio represents a carefully calibrated expansion: geographically into the Pacific Northwest, and functionally into trust and fiduciary services. It marks a key milestone in Waverly’s national M&A playbook and signals its commitment to building a full-spectrum advisory platform.

For RIAs evaluating growth pathways, this deal illustrates the potential of partnering with a platform that respects legacy, preserves client relationships, and provides scalable resources. For investors eyeing the wealth management space, Waverly’s disciplined, value-driven roll-up remains a model worth watching.