Raymond James To Acquire Clark Capital Management Group
Rhea-AI Summary
Raymond James (NYSE:RJF) agreed to acquire Clark Capital Management Group, a Philadelphia-based asset manager with $46 billion in discretionary and non-discretionary assets. The deal, expected to close by the third calendar quarter of 2026, will place Clark Capital as an independent boutique within Raymond James Investment Management while retaining its brand and leadership. Closing is subject to customary conditions, including regulatory approvals. The partnership aims to broaden Raymond James Investment Management’s multi-boutique lineup and enhance advisor-focused distribution, product capabilities, and wealth planning services.
Positive
- $46 billion in assets added to Raymond James Investment Management
- Clark Capital to retain brand and existing leadership team
- Deal expands advisor-focused distribution and product capabilities
- Expected close by Q3 2026 provides a clear timeline
Negative
- Closing is subject to regulatory approvals and customary conditions
- Transaction timing could be delayed pending approvals
News Market Reaction
On the day this news was published, RJF declined 0.42%, reflecting a mild negative market reaction.
Data tracked by StockTitan Argus on the day of publication.
Key Figures
Market Reality Check
Peers on Argus
RJF gained 3.04% with multiple asset-management peers also up: AMP +2.67%, OWL +2.63%, STT +1.73%, CG +0.88%, NTRS +0.5%, indicating a supportive sector backdrop alongside the Clark Capital acquisition news.
Historical Context
| Date | Event | Sentiment | Move | Catalyst |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dec 30 | Owner survey insights | Neutral | -0.9% | Survey data on business-owner wealth transitions and capital needs. |
| Dec 11 | Bank program win | Positive | -1.8% | New Bank Midwest investment program with about $692M in client assets. |
| Dec 03 | Dividend and buybacks | Positive | +2.4% | 8% dividend increase and expanded $2.0B common stock repurchase authorization. |
| Dec 02 | Preferred redemption | Neutral | -0.1% | Full redemption of Series B preferred stock and related depositary shares. |
| Nov 13 | Advisor team hire | Positive | -2.9% | Addition of Porro Financial Group advisors managing ~$150M in assets. |
Recent business development and partnership announcements have often seen mixed or negative next-day moves, while capital return actions (dividends/buybacks) aligned with positive price reactions.
Over the past few months, Raymond James has focused on both organic and inorganic growth alongside shareholder returns. It welcomed new advisor teams overseeing approximately $150 million and partnered with Bank Midwest on a $692 million program, yet those business wins coincided with modest share price declines. In contrast, the December announcement of an 8% dividend increase and a new $2.0 billion repurchase authorization saw a positive 2.4% reaction. The company also moved to redeem its Series B preferred stock. Against this backdrop, the Clark Capital acquisition continues the theme of expanding advisory and asset management capabilities.
Market Pulse Summary
This announcement details Raymond James’ agreement to acquire Clark Capital, an asset manager with over $46 billion in assets, expected to close by the third calendar quarter of 2026 subject to customary approvals. It reinforces the firm’s multi-boutique asset management strategy and expands advisor-focused offerings. In context, recent filings highlighted record fiscal 2025 results and ongoing capital returns, while prior acquisitions like GreensLedge focused on capital markets capabilities. Investors may watch for closing progress, integration updates, and any disclosed financial terms or synergy targets.
Key Terms
'40-Act mutual funds regulatory
AI-generated analysis. Not financial advice.
St. Petersburg, Fla., Jan. 15, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Raymond James announced today that it has reached an agreement to acquire Clark Capital Management Group, Inc. (“Clark Capital”). Founded in 1986 by Harry Clark, Philadelphia-based Clark Capital is a leading asset management firm specializing in wealth-focused solutions, with over
Following the closing of the acquisition, expected by the third calendar quarter of 2026, Clark Capital will maintain its brand and become an independent boutique investment manager within Raymond James Investment Management, a global asset management company and division of Raymond James Financial, Inc. The closing is subject to the satisfaction of customary conditions, including regulatory approvals.
Clark Capital provides custom multi-asset-class solutions, proprietary model portfolios, and ‘40-Act mutual funds to financial advisors and their clients. These investment strategies are supported by Clark Capital’s dedicated high-net-worth service team, which delivers personalized guidance, including wealth planning services, and acts as an extension of advisors’ practices. Together, these services and capabilities build upon and further strengthen Raymond James Investment Management’s existing investment and wealth planning offerings.
“We are delighted to welcome Clark Capital to the Raymond James Investment Management family,” said Scott Curtis, Chief Operating Officer, Raymond James. “The acquisition underscores our commitment to building a leading global asset manager that provides a broad range of innovative investment solutions. Within our multi-boutique structure, Clark Capital is well positioned for accelerated growth, and Raymond James Investment Management will better serve the evolving needs of financial advisors and their clients.”
“This new partnership with Clark Capital will bring together two culturally aligned organizations committed to delivering exceptional service and partnership to financial advisors, and will further position Raymond James Investment Management as a leading player in key advisor-focused channels, including independent firms and turnkey asset management platform segments,” said Paul Shoukry, Chief Executive Officer, Raymond James. “Clark Capital’s mission of offering holistic investment solutions and being a trusted partner to financial advisors completely aligns with Raymond James’ ethos and commitment to clients. Our focus remains on deploying capital by identifying quality opportunities, like Clark Capital, for our continued growth.”
Raymond James Investment Management's global multi-boutique structure, which currently includes Chartwell Investment Partners, ClariVest Asset Management, Cougar Global Investments, Eagle Asset Management, Reams Asset Management, and Scout Investments, combines scalable business, distribution and operational support which allows its independent investment teams to thrive.
“This partnership marks an exciting new chapter for Clark Capital,” said Brendan Clark, CEO of Clark Capital. “Raymond James Investment Management’s culture, strategic vision, and client-first, advisor-centric approach align closely with our own. Their resources and support will enable us to further enhance the advisor and client experience while preserving our brand, values, service model, and mission that have defined Clark Capital since day one.”
Reflecting on Clark Capital’s beginnings, Harry Clark, Founder and Executive Chairman, said, “I founded Clark Capital with a singular focus on putting the client first. Over the years, the firm has grown steadily and purposefully, always keeping both clients and advisors at the center of everything we do. I’m incredibly proud of our team for remaining true to that guiding principle, and I’m excited to have found a partner who shares our unwavering commitment to the client.”
Clark Capital will retain its existing leadership team, brand, investment capabilities, and service model. The partnership is designed to support Clark Capital’s long-term growth while leveraging Raymond James Investment Management’s scale, resources, and distribution capabilities to further enhance product and service innovation, advisor support, and the client experience.
Raymond James & Associates, Inc. acted as financial advisor and Eversheds Sutherland acted as legal advisor to Raymond James in connection with the transaction. Evercore acted as exclusive financial advisor and Paul Weiss acted as legal advisor to Clark Capital.
About Raymond James Financial, Inc.
Raymond James Financial, Inc. (NYSE: RJF) is a leading diversified financial services company providing private client group, capital markets, asset management, banking and other services to individuals, corporations and municipalities. Total client assets are
About Raymond James Investment Management
Raymond James Investment Management is a global asset management company that combines the exceptional insight and agility of individual investment teams with the strength and stability of a full-service firm. Together with our boutique investment managers – Chartwell Investment Partners, ClariVest Asset Management, Cougar Global Investments, Eagle Asset Management, Reams Asset Management, and Scout Investments – we offer a range of investment strategies and asset classes through multiple vehicles. Our focus is on sustainable, risk-adjusted returns and alpha generation. We believe this lineup of institutional-class portfolio managers can help investors meet their long-term business and financial goals. Ultimately, our structure allows affiliated investment teams to focus on what they do best: managing portfolios.
About Clark Capital Management Group, Inc.
Clark Capital Management Group, Inc. is an independent asset management firm providing institutional investment strategies for individual investors, corporations, foundations, and retirement plans. The firm was founded in 1986 by Harry Clark, Executive Chairman, and has been entrusted with over
Our investment philosophy is driven by a single-minded focus: to add value for our collective clients. This focus enables us to seek risk-adjusted returns over full market cycles through a disciplined process focused on three principles: meaningful diversification, opportunistic asset allocation, and personalized risk management. It compels us to maintain a long-term perspective and provide innovative investment management strategies that enable advisors to help clients achieve their goals and objectives.
For more information, visit ccmg.com and follow Clark Capital on LinkedIn.
Media Contact: Steve Hollister Raymond James Financial 727.567.2824 mediarelations@raymondjames.com Investor Contact: Kristina Waugh Raymond James Financial 727.567.7654 investorrelations@raymondjames.com
FAQ
What did Raymond James announce about acquiring Clark Capital (RJF) on January 15, 2026?
When is the Raymond James (RJF) acquisition of Clark Capital expected to close?
Will Clark Capital keep its brand and leadership after the Raymond James (RJF) acquisition?
How will the Clark Capital deal affect Raymond James Investment Management's structure?
What assets does Clark Capital bring to Raymond James (RJF)?
