Lincoln International has agreed to acquire MarshBerry, an advisory firm that has served the insurance brokerage, insurance distribution, and wealth management sectors for more than 40 years.
The acquisition is expected to strengthen Lincoln's financial services practice and expand its role as an advisor to private equity firms, strategic acquirers and independent owners operating in the consolidating insurane and wealth management markets.
MarshBerry provides services including investment banking, consulting, growth advisory, market intelligence, agency network access, and executive peer exchange. Headquartered in Woodmere, Ohio, near Cleveland, the firm also has offices in six US cities and three international locations in Europe. Its client base includes private and independent brokers as well as wealth management firms.
As part of the deal, Atlas Merchant Capital has agreed to sell its interests in MarshBerry to Lincoln International. The transaction remains subject to regulatory approvals.
Lincoln and MarshBerry said they will focus on integration efforts that prioritize client outcomes, collaboration, and knowledge sharing. Both firms aim to combine their complementary strengths while maintaining the specialized expertise and client relationships that define their positions in the market.
Lincoln International CEO Rob Brown said the acquisition supports the firm’s vision of becoming a leading advisor in private capital markets and will broaden its ability to support clients in insurance and wealth management.
MarshBerry CEO John Wepler said the transaction will allow MarshBerry to expand its services and pursue new opportunities with greater scale and resources, while reinforcing its presence in its core markets.
Keefe, Bruyette & Woods, a Stifel company, and Solomon Partners advised MarshBerry on the sale.
The deal highlights ongoing consolidation in the advisory space, particularly in insurance and wealth management, where independent firms are increasingly seeking scale and broader service capabilities. By combining Lincoln’s private capital market expertise with MarshBerry’s specialized advisory services, the transaction is expected to create a more comprehensive platform to support clients through mergers, acquisitions, and growth strategies.
Industry observers note that demand for advisory services in insurance distribution has accelerated in recent years as private equity investment continues to reshape the sector. The combined firm’s expanded footprint and service offering may give it greater influence in guiding transactions and strategic decisions across the industry.
