Mariner Announces Strategic Partnership with Neuberger Berman Capital Solutions

Mariner, a leading national financial services firm, announces Neuberger Berman Capital Solutions (NB Capital Solutions) and funds managed by Neuberger Berman Private Markets (NB) have made a significant minority growth investment in the firm. NB joins existing investor Leonard Green & Partners (LGP), which made a minority investment in Mariner in 2021 and will be retaining all its investment in Mariner. Mariner is a fast-growing, leading national financial services firm that offers retail and institutional clients a holistic set of wealth advisory solutions spanning financial planning, investment management, retirement planning, estate and tax planning and insurance products. Mariner's goal remains scaling its national advisor base to 5,000 advisors, a vision that will be achieved through both organic growth—via strategic alliances and referral partnerships—and inorganic growth via strategic acquisitions. The growth capital from NB will help accelerate these efforts, allowing Mariner to further scale its operations and accelerate inorganic growth while staying true to its client-first approach. Tapping into the capital and strategic support from NB, this growth investment recognizes Mariner’s exceptional position within the wealth management industry, supported by consistently strong net organic growth, advisor recruitment and retention, as well as industry-leading branding efforts. Following the investment, Bicknell will continue to hold majority control of Mariner’s board of directors. NB will receive board representation and LGP, which became Mariner’s first institutional capital partner in 2021, will continue to serve on the board.