Gilbert & Cook Announces Merger With Cerity Partners
- Des Moines-based wealth management firm Gilbert & Cook has announced plans to merge with Cerity Partners, a national independent wealth management firm, in a transaction set to take...
- Founded in 1993, West Des Moines-based Gilbert & Cook provides financial planning, investment management, and sophisticated wealth strategies for individuals, families, and business owners.
- This partnership represents an exciting milestone for both firms.
Des Moines-based wealth management firm Gilbert & Cook has announced plans to merge with Cerity Partners, a national independent wealth management firm, in a transaction set to take effect at the end of September 2026. According to reporting from Business Record, Cerity Partners, and PRNewswire, the partnership will bring approximately $2 billion in assets under management into Cerity Partners while marking that firm’s official entry into the Iowa market.
Expansion Into Iowa and Asset Integration
Founded in 1993, West Des Moines-based Gilbert & Cook provides financial planning, investment management, and sophisticated wealth strategies for individuals, families, and business owners. Under the terms of the merger agreement, the firm will operate under the Cerity Partners name. According to press releases from both firms, the combination brings together two relationship-driven organizations with shared core values and a commitment to long-term client service. Gilbert & Cook will contribute roughly $2 billion in assets under management to Cerity Partners, expanding the national firm’s footprint into the Des Moines community. Claire O’Keefe, Partner and Head of Partner Development at Cerity Partners, noted the strategic value of the combination in a statement published via PRNewswire.
This partnership represents an exciting milestone for both firms. Gilbert & Cook has built an outstanding reputation based on trust, expertise, and an unwavering dedication to their clients. By bringing our firms together, we are strengthening our ability to deliver deeply personalized, integrated wealth advice while expanding our reach into the Des Moines community.
Claire O’Keefe, Partner & Head of Partner Development at Cerity Partners
Expanded Client Services and Leadership Perspectives
Through the merger, clients of Gilbert & Cook will gain enhanced access to an extensive suite of specialized wealth management capabilities. According to the companies, these expanded resources include tax, multigenerational estate planning, business owner advisory, private family office services, divorce financial planning, and private markets investing. Linda Cook, Founder and Managing Partner of Gilbert & Cook, emphasized that the decision stems from a strong cultural and philosophical alignment between the two organizations.
At the heart of the decision to join Cerity Partners was a strong alignment in values and philosophy. This partnership allows us to preserve the values and personalized service our clients have always counted on while opening the door to expanded resources, specialized resources and experience, and new opportunities.
Linda Cook, Founder & Managing Partner of Gilbert & Cook
Cook also highlighted the firm’s history in the region, noting that for more than 30 years, the mission has focused on building lasting relationships with clients and the local community to help navigate complex financial decisions.
Transaction Counsel and Advisors
Corporate advisors and legal counsel facilitated the transaction structure for both entities. According to PRNewswire and Cerity Partners disclosures, Houlihan Lokey served as the financial representative for Gilbert & Cook, while Sissel Law provided legal counsel to the West Des Moines firm. Lowenstein Sandler acted as legal counsel to Cerity Partners for the combination.
