Raymond James to Buy $46B Clark Capital

January 15, 2026 at 15:59 UTC

4 min read

Raymond James and Clark Capital logos with asset management growth and $46B acquisition theme

Key Points

Raymond James Financial has agreed to acquire Clark Capital Management Group, a $46B asset manager.
Clark Capital will keep its brand and leadership as a boutique within Raymond James Investment Management.
The transaction is expected to close by the third quarter of 2026, pending regulatory approvals.
Raymond James aims to expand advisor-focused asset management and enhance wealth-planning solutions.

Raymond James Announces Clark Capital Acquisition

Raymond James Financial, Inc. has entered into an agreement to acquire Clark Capital Management Group, Inc., a Philadelphia-based asset management firm with more than $46 billion in discretionary and non-discretionary assets under management as of December 31, 2025. The deal, disclosed on January 15, 2026, via company statements and a related Form 8-K filing, represents one of Raymond James’ largest acquisitions in recent years. Financial terms, including the purchase price, were not released. The transaction is expected to close by the third calendar quarter of 2026, subject to customary closing conditions and regulatory approvals.

Structure of the Deal and Post-Closing Setup

Following completion of the acquisition, Clark Capital will operate as an independent boutique investment manager within Raymond James Investment Management, the global asset management division of Raymond James Financial. Clark Capital will retain its existing leadership team, brand, investment capabilities, and service model. The firm will continue to be headquartered in Philadelphia and will join a multi-boutique platform that already includes Chartwell Investment Partners, ClariVest Asset Management, Cougar Global Investments, Eagle Asset Management, Reams Asset Management, and Scout Investments. This structure is intended to pair Clark Capital’s existing expertise with Raymond James Investment Management’s scale, distribution, and operational support.

Strategic Rationale and Focus on Advisor Channels

Raymond James is positioning the acquisition as a step to broaden its advisor-centric asset management offerings and to strengthen its presence in key advisor-focused channels, including independent firms and turnkey asset management platform segments. Clark Capital is described in company materials as a high-growth asset manager with a strong record of inflows, specializing in wealth-focused solutions. Its capabilities include custom multi-asset-class solutions, proprietary model portfolios, and ’40-Act mutual funds designed for financial advisors and their clients. Clark Capital also provides a dedicated high-net-worth service team that offers personalized guidance and wealth planning services, operating as an extension of advisors’ practices. Raymond James executives said these offerings will complement and enhance the firm’s existing investment and wealth-planning lineup.

Leadership Commentary and Cultural Alignment

Raymond James Chief Operating Officer Scott Curtis said the acquisition underscores the firm’s commitment to building a leading global asset manager that offers a broad range of innovative investment solutions, adding that Clark Capital is well positioned for accelerated growth within the multi-boutique structure. Raymond James Chief Executive Officer Paul Shoukry highlighted the cultural alignment between the two organizations and said the partnership will further position Raymond James Investment Management as a key player in advisor-focused channels. Clark Capital CEO Brendan Clark characterized the transaction as a new chapter for the firm, noting that Raymond James’ culture, strategic vision, and advisor-centric approach align with Clark Capital’s client-first and advisor-focused mission. Founder and Executive Chairman Harry Clark said the firm has grown while keeping clients and advisors at the center of its business and expressed support for partnering with a firm he views as sharing that client commitment.

Advisers, Transaction Support, and Company Profiles

Raymond James & Associates, Inc. acted as financial advisor to Raymond James on the transaction, with Eversheds Sutherland serving as legal advisor. Evercore served as exclusive financial advisor to Clark Capital, and Paul Weiss acted as its legal advisor. Raymond James Financial, listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker RJF, is a diversified financial services company with total client assets of $1.77 trillion, providing private client group, capital markets, asset management, and banking services. Clark Capital, founded in 1986 by Harry Clark, is an independent asset management firm offering institutional investment strategies for individual investors, corporations, foundations, and retirement plans. Its investment philosophy emphasizes meaningful diversification, opportunistic asset allocation, and personalized risk management aimed at risk-adjusted returns over full market cycles.

Key Takeaways

The deal extends Raymond James Investment Management’s multi-boutique model with a large, growth-oriented manager focused on advisor solutions.
Clark Capital will remain operationally distinct, preserving its brand and leadership while gaining access to Raymond James’ scale and distribution.
Advisor-focused channels and wealth-planning capabilities are central to the strategic logic, reflecting both firms’ emphasis on serving financial advisors and their clients.

References

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