NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Focus Financial Partners (‘Focus’), the leading international partnership of independent, fiduciary wealth management firms, announced today that Chicago-based Kovitz Investment Group (‘Kovitz’) has joined the Focus partnership as of January 1, 2016. Kovitz becomes the fourth Greater Chicago Area registered investment advisor to join Focus along with Vestor Capital, Strategic Wealth Partners and Relative Value Partners.
Mitchell Kovitz, Marc Brenner and Jonathan Shapiro, who previously worked together at Rothschild Investment Corporation, founded Kovitz in 2003. Shortly thereafter, Bruce Weininger, previously a partner with Deloitte and Ayco, joined the founding principals. Today Kovitz has evolved into one of the largest and most respected RIAs in the United States with over 50 professionals serving high-net worth households and institutional clients. The firm provides clients a unique service offering that combines highly customized financial planning and wealth management services with proprietary value-oriented investment management strategies. In addition to its traditional separately managed account strategy, Kovitz also manages a mutual fund and several private funds that include long/short equity and private real estate investment strategies.
“Kovitz’s growth since our founding can be attributed to the entrepreneurial spirit of the entire team,” said Mitchell Kovitz, Co-Founder and Principal at Kovitz. “We are excited about our partnership with Focus, a firm known for its strong value-add programs in M&A, legal & compliance, pricing and marketing. With access to Focus’ resources and capital, we believe Kovitz will be able to enter into its next phase of growth while maintaining our independence.”
“Kovitz has a longstanding reputation for excellence in the Chicago wealth management community. The firm’s eagerness to continue its legacy of growth makes it a natural fit for the Focus partnership,” said Rudy Adolf, Founder and CEO of Focus. “When combined with our strong existing presence in the Chicago market, this new partnership presents an unprecedented opportunity to offer additional growth opportunities as well as consolidate the highly fragmented Chicago RIA market.”
About Focus Financial Partners
Focus Financial Partners, is the leading international partnership of independent, fiduciary wealth management firms. Focus provides unrivaled access to best practices, resources and continuity planning for its partner firms who serve individuals, families, employers and institutions with wealth management, benefit and investment consulting services. Focus partner firms maintain their operational independence, while they benefit from the synergies, scale, economics and best practices of the market leader to achieve their business objectives. For more information about Focus Financial Partners, please visit www.focusfinancialpartners.com.
About Kovitz Investment Group
Kovitz Investment Group is an independent investment management firm. Kovitz strives to provide best-in-class investment management and planning services for high net worth individuals and institutions. The Kovitz team, comprised of distinguished investment professionals, works together to provide personalized attention to its clients through management of separately managed accounts, a mutual fund and alternative investments. For more information, visit www.kovitz.com