Lincoln International, a global investment banking advisory firm specializing in private capital markets, has completed its acquisition of MarshBerry, an investment banking and consulting firm serving the insurance brokerage and wealth & retirement sectors.
The transaction marks a major expansion of Lincoln's capabilities in the financial services space, positioning the combined firm as a more comprehensive advisor to insurance intermediaries, asset managers and wealth platforms. By integrating MarshBerry’s deep industry expertise and extensive client relationships, Lincoln aims to strengthen its presence in one of the fastest-growing and most consolidation-driven segments of the financial sector.
The acquisition significantly broadens Lincoln’s US and European footprint in the insurance and wealth management markets, adding MarshBerry’s established consulting, valuation, and performance benchmarking services to its investment banking offering. The combination is expected to generate synergies in deal origination, client coverage, and market intelligence, particularly in middle-market transactions involving private equity investments, succession planning, and strategic M&A.
Lincoln said the integration will prioritize collaboration and knowledge sharing to maximize client outcomes while maintaining both firms’ commitment to personalized, sector-focused advice.
The expanded platform is expected to increase Lincoln’s market share across the insurance distribution M&A space, a sector that has remained highly active despite recent macroeconomic headwinds.
Lincoln International CEO Rob Brown described the closing as “a significant step forward” in the firm’s growth strategy, adding that the combined platform enhances Lincoln’s ability to serve clients through every stage of ownership and capital development.
MarshBerry CEO John Wepler said joining Lincoln’s platform creates new opportunities for scale and impact, enabling the firm to expand its consulting reach and leverage Lincoln’s global capital markets expertise.
The sellers, including management and Atlas Merchant Capital, were advised by Keefe, Bruyette & Woods, A Stifel Company, and Solomon Partners.
The acquisition underscores the increasing convergence of investment banking, insurance distribution, and wealth management consulting, as firms seek to offer vertically integrated advisory solutions amid heightened deal activity and evolving regulatory demands.
For Lincoln, the addition of MarshBerry marks a strategic move toward becoming a leading global advisor in insurance and wealth-sector consolidation - a market expected to continue expanding as firms pursue efficiency, capital optimisation, and scale.
