EP Wealth Acquires B Corp Pioneer LongView in Southwest Expansion

TORRANCE, CA – February 03, 2026 – EP Wealth Advisors, a rapidly growing registered investment advisor (RIA), has announced its acquisition of LongView Asset Management, a Santa Fe-based firm with a distinguished commitment to sustainable investing. The partnership adds over $390 million in assets under management (AUM) to EP Wealth, significantly bolstering its presence in the Southwest and pushing its total managed assets to over $42.2 billion as of the end of 2025.

This transaction, which marks EP Wealth’s second deal of 2026, highlights a dual strategy of aggressive national expansion and the integration of specialized, values-driven expertise. LongView, founded in 2002, is notable for being the first financial services firm in New Mexico to become a certified B Corporation, a designation that recognizes rigorous standards of social and environmental performance, accountability, and transparency. LongView founder David Cantor, along with seven team members, will join EP Wealth, with Cantor assuming the role of Senior Vice President.

A Strategic Push into the Southwest

The acquisition is a key component of EP Wealth's deliberate and well-funded expansion strategy. The firm has become one of the most prolific acquirers in the wealth management space, completing seven deals in 2024 and nine in 2025. This consistent M&A activity, backed by minority equity investors Berkshire Partners and Ares Management, has fueled explosive AUM growth from $21.4 billion at the end of 2023 to over $42.2 billion just two years later.

The move into Santa Fe extends the firm's reach in a region identified for strategic growth. With over 64 offices across 23 states, EP Wealth has been methodically building its national footprint, and the Southwest has proven to be a fertile ground. Neighboring Arizona, for instance, is one of the company's fastest-growing markets. This latest partnership solidifies its position in New Mexico and the surrounding area.

“This partnership strengthens EP Wealth and expands our ability to serve more families in New Mexico,” said Ryan Parker, CEO of EP Wealth. “LongView’s clients will benefit from our breadth and depth of services, allowing the team to further focus on delivering the value that makes them unique while honoring their commitment to give back to their community.”

Company leadership emphasized that the addition of LongView is not merely about asset accumulation but also about incorporating a unique philosophical approach. “Their approach brings a differentiated perspective to EP Wealth’s presence in the Southwest, and our support can help them serve their clients even more effectively,” noted Steve Beals, EP Wealth’s Central Divisional Leader.

The ESG Advantage: Integrating a B Corp Pioneer

What sets this deal apart from a typical acquisition is LongView’s deep-rooted identity as a B Corporation and its focus on Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles. Achieving B Corp status is an arduous process, requiring companies to undergo a comprehensive B Impact Assessment that scrutinizes their effect on workers, community, environment, and customers. It also involves a legal commitment to consider the impact of decisions on all stakeholders, not just shareholders.

LongView has built its reputation on helping clients align their financial portfolios with their personal values, particularly concerning planetary sustainability. This mission has resonated in a market with a growing appetite for responsible investing. By integrating LongView, EP Wealth not only gains a team with decades of expertise in this niche but also enhances its appeal to a new generation of investors who prioritize social and environmental impact alongside financial returns.

Both firms have stressed that LongView’s core mission will be preserved and amplified within the larger EP Wealth framework. The acquisition provides LongView with access to a broader toolkit of resources without requiring it to abandon its foundational principles.

“As we begin this new journey with EP Wealth, we’re excited to offer more services to support our clients, while continuing our sustainability efforts,” said David Cantor. “We will have access to EP’s depth of capabilities, enhancing our ability to serve our clients and community.” This sentiment suggests a synergistic relationship where EP Wealth provides the scale and infrastructure, while LongView contributes a specialized, values-driven investment lens.

Consolidation and Client-Centric Synergy

The transaction reflects broader trends dominating the RIA industry, which has seen record-breaking M&A activity for several consecutive years. This wave of consolidation is driven by large, often private equity-backed firms like EP Wealth seeking to achieve national scale, operational efficiency, and a more comprehensive service offering. The deal was facilitated by David Selig at Advice Dynamics Partners, a strategic M&A adviser specializing in the RIA space, underscoring the professionalized nature of modern wealth management transactions.

For LongView's clients, the transition promises the best of both worlds: the continuity of their relationship with Cantor and his team, combined with access to services previously beyond the scope of a smaller boutique firm. The press release specifically highlights enhanced support in tax, estate, and legacy planning—complex areas where a larger firm's resources can provide significant value. This move allows the LongView team to offload certain operational burdens and focus more on client-facing advisory and their unique investment philosophy.

Ultimately, the partnership between EP Wealth and LongView serves as a compelling case study for the future of wealth management. It demonstrates how large, national platforms can successfully integrate smaller, specialized firms by respecting and preserving their unique culture and value proposition. As the industry continues to consolidate, this model of combining scale with specialized expertise may become the standard for firms looking to offer holistic, personalized, and increasingly values-aligned financial advice to a diverse client base.