Houlihan Lokey Advises the Contant-Leit and Wacht Groups

Houlihan Lokey is pleased to announce that the Contant-Leit and Wacht Groups of Shufro Rose & Co., two New York City-based wealth advisory practices managing approximately $1.4 billion in assets, have been acquired by Cerity Partners, a leading independent wealth management and investment advisory firm. The transaction closed on September 30, 2026.

The Contant-Leit and Wacht Groups are New York City–based wealth advisory practices managing approximately $1.4 billion in assets for individuals and families. With a wealth management heritage from parent firm Shufro Rose & Co. dating to 1938, they provide comprehensive financial planning—including retirement, estate and legacy, insurance, tax, and educational and generational planning—alongside a research-based approach to investment management.

Founded in 2009, Cerity Partners is a nationally recognized wealth management firm serving high- and ultra-high-net-worth individuals and families, business owners, and institutions with an extensive suite of financial planning, investment, tax, and retirement solutions.

The practices are joining from a firm that traces its wealth management heritage back to 1938. In addition, the practices’ principals bring decades of continuity and deep client relationships from their previous firm: Stephen Leit joined Shufro Rose & Co. in 1984, John Contant in 1996, and Harvey Wacht in 2001. Today, their average client relationship spans 21 years, a testament to the trust and long-term value they deliver.

Houlihan Lokey acted as the exclusive financial advisor to the Contant-Leit and Wacht Groups.

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