Houlihan Lokey Advises The Clarius Group

Houlihan Lokey is pleased to announce that The Clarius Group, LLC (Clarius), an independent registered investment advisor (RIA) with $5.1 billion in assets under management (AUM), has merged with Clearstead Advisors, LLC (Clearstead), a national independent wealth management firm. This transaction closed on January 31, 2026.

Founded in 1999 and headquartered in Seattle, Clarius is a leading multi-family office with specialized expertise serving founders, executives, and general partners in venture capital and private equity. Clarius provides comprehensive family office services, including tax planning, bill pay, trust and estate planning, philanthropic strategy, private aviation, and more.

Headquartered in Cleveland and founded in 1989, Clearstead is a nationally recognized wealth management firm serving high- and ultra-high-net-worth individuals, families, family offices, and prominent institutions. Clearstead manages approximately $55 billion in client assets.

This acquisition marks Clearstead’s first closed transaction of 2026. The deal is representative of the heightened interest in establishing a foothold in the Pacific Northwest, as the Seattle area specifically boasts an attractive ultra-high-net-worth client base.

Houlihan Lokey acted as the exclusive financial advisor to Clarius.

RELATED: Financial Services, Asset and Wealth Management, Mergers & Acquisitions