Avantax acquires GA Investment Management to enhance wealth management services

Avantax Inc., a premier tax-focused financial planning and wealth management firm, has acquired GA Investment Management (GA), an unaffiliated Pennsylvania-based wealth management company. This strategic acquisition has led to the onboarding of $400 million in GA client assets to the Avantax platform, integrating 10 GA employees as W-2 employees of Avantax.

Strategic Acquisition and Seamless Integration

The acquisition culminates a detailed nationwide search by GA’s leadership, including partners Stephen Gierl, CFP, Gary Augustine, and Tim Augustine, CFP, for a fitting succession plan. After evaluating several contenders, GA chose Avantax based on its alignment in financial planning and investment management philosophies, its robust network of tax and accounting firm affiliates, and the potential for growth it offers their younger advisors.

“Several firms looked good to us, but what set Avantax apart was its incredible network of accounting firms, and its distinct approach of putting tax at the center of financial planning just like we do at GA, and that’s why we chose Avantax,” said Stephen Gierl. He emphasized that Avantax Planning Partners is positioned to serve GA’s clients consistently and extend its advisory services to future generations.

Cultural Fit and Shared Values

A significant factor in the decision-making process was the shared cultural values between GA and Avantax. The use of eMoney for planning and enhanced client experiences also played a critical role. GA appreciated Avantax’s comprehensive approach to tax-focused financial planning, supported by a team of deep planning experts and specialists at its Home Office.

The final decision was bolstered by positive interactions at an Avantax Planning Partners event. “We attended an Avantax Planning Partners event where we talked with a number of Financial Planning Consultants and affiliated CPAs, and everyone was very enthusiastic about the relationship. That was really big for us,” Gierl added.

Looking Ahead: Growth and Integration

With the acquisition, GA’s leaders, including Gierl and Gary Augustine, have transitioned to Avantax Planning Partners as employee-based investment advisers and staff. Tim Augustine has taken an administrative role at Avantax’s Home Office. Todd Mackay, President of Avantax, welcomed the GA team, highlighting the extraordinary cultural connection and alignment in client service approaches.

“The cultural connection GA and Avantax have is extraordinary, as is the incredibly tight alignment in our approach to client service, financial planning, investment management, and putting tax at the center of everything we do. GA is a group of great people committed to doing what’s in their clients’ best interest, and I can’t wait to see what’s ahead for the GA team as they focus on growth backed by the full resources of Avantax,” Mackay stated.