A multi-phase, SRG-led transaction expands national capabilities and strengthens leadership continuity

PORTLAND, OREGON / ACCESS Newswire / January 7, 2026 / Succession Resource Group (SRG) is pleased to announce the completed merger of Blueprint Financial Group and Barnes Young Wealth Advisors, effective October 1, 2025. The combined firm will operate under the name Blueprint Financial Group, carrying on the success of each firm, as two of the top-performing teams at Northwestern Mutual. The merged practice expands capabilities in exit planning, executive benefits, tax-efficient wealth management, and multi-generational planning for families and closely-held businesses.

The transaction was implemented as a multi-phase plan that integrated new equity partners, realigned internal ownership, and culminated in a statutory merger to consolidate governance and operations under a single, scalable entity. The combined firm will maintain offices in Louisville, Paducah, Richmond, Boston and Washington and will operate with approximately 55 team members. The combined practice plans to add 15 advisors over the next couple of years while retaining existing leadership with co-founders Ted Shanahan and Nick Hammelman.

"This merger accelerates our growth plan and strengthens our Louisville presence," said Ross Berge, CFO and Partner of Blueprint Financial Group. "By combining teams and processes we'll hire and onboard high-quality advisors faster, expand our exit-planning and executive-benefits capabilities, and provide more consistent, tax-aware solutions for closely held business owners."

"Blueprint was already focused on the closely held business market, so joining forces was an opportunity to increase specialization, expand resources, and enhance outcomes for clients," said Aaron Young, CEO and Partner of Blueprint Financial Group. "The goal is really to continue to advise this market - that's been our vision for a long time."

SRG facilitated the merger, assisting with the business valuations, contract drafting, coordinating with the parties' counsel, developing an optimized tax strategy, transaction structuring and integration work required to execute the plan. SRG's technical design included tax-deferred contribution mechanics, evaluation of partnership-level adjustments to optimize post-merger tax attributes for partners, and entity/financing structures to support partner buyouts and continuity.

"Achieving this merger within the desired timeline was possible thanks to both teams' collaboration, transparency, and shared sense of purpose," said Nicole Frey, Director of Team Solutions at SRG. She went on to share, "Their willingness to address both quantitative and qualitative aspects with grace and good humor exemplified why this partnership is destined for success."

About Succession Resource Group

Succession Resource Group is an M&A consulting firm serving independent financial service professionals across the country. SRG's team of experts leverages its industry expertise and best-in-class resources to help registered investment advisors, securities professionals, agents, and accountants manage, grow, and realize the value of their businesses. With decades of experience on the team, Succession Resource Group has helped thousands of clients value, protect, grow, improve, and plan for the sale of their business.

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SOURCE: Succession Resource Group