Maridea Wealth Management announced its acquisition of Ashford Investment Advisors, a Daytona Beach-based wealth management firm with approximately $180 million in client assets, marking Maridea's first practice in Florida. The deal continues Maridea's strategy of partnering with entrepreneurial, independent advisors nationwide.

Exbo Group led the financial diligence on the transaction, focusing on the quality of revenue and run rate.

Mier Wang, Founder and CEO of Maridea, said, “[Ashford Investment Advisors owner and lead advisor] Kathleen [Dulko] is exactly the kind of advisor and entrepreneur we want more of in this industry. Maridea is going to keep partnering with high-quality independent practices, and that means being honest that our industry needs more women advisors, more women entrepreneurs, and more female-led firms. Kathleen has built something exceptional in Daytona Beach, and we’re proud to have her as our first advisor in Florida.”