Omaha, Neb., March 5, 2026 — Carson Group, a prominent wealth advisory firm managing over $57 billion in assets under management (AUM), has completed its acquisition of ZeroCelsius Wealth Studio, bringing its total number of wholly owned offices to 40. The acquisition, led by Managing Partner and Wealth Advisor Ross Gott and Operations Manager Robin Laughinghouse, adds approximately $134 million in AUM to Carson’s portfolio.

Strategic Growth in the Wealth Management Sector

The acquisition of ZeroCelsius Wealth Studio represents a significant milestone in Carson Group’s strategic growth. The firm has been expanding rapidly over the past few years, and this latest move highlights its commitment to a practitioner-led model. According to Burt White, CEO of Carson Group, the expansion is not just about increasing the number of offices, but about reinforcing the trust that advisors place in the company to help build enduring businesses.

“Reaching 40 wholly owned offices reflects the strength of our practitioner-led model, but more importantly, it reflects the trust advisors place in Carson to help them build enduring businesses,” White said. “Each new office enables us to broaden our reach, deepen our impact, and continue delivering personalized financial guidance to clients across the country.”

ZeroCelsius Wealth Studio, based in Omaha, Nebraska, has been a growing firm since its inception. Its acquisition by Carson Group is expected to bring additional resources and systems to support the firm’s clients and advisors. The move is also expected to enhance Carson Group’s ability to offer long-term, scalable solutions to its clients.

Impact on Financial Services Landscape

The acquisition is part of a broader trend in the wealth management industry, where larger firms are acquiring smaller, independent advisory firms to expand their reach and services. According to industry analysts, the trend has accelerated in recent years due to increasing demand for personalized financial planning and the need for strong digital infrastructure.

“The consolidation of wealth management firms has been ongoing for several years, but the pace has increased significantly since 2020,” said Sarah Mitchell, a financial analyst at BrightPath Research. “Carson Group’s acquisition of ZeroCelsius Wealth Studio is another example of this trend, which is driven by the need for scale, efficiency, and enhanced client services.”

With the acquisition, Carson Group now operates 40 wholly owned offices, a number that reflects not only its strategic growth but also its ability to attract and retain top talent in the industry. The firm has been recognized for its innovative approach to wealth management, focusing on technology integration and client-centric services.

The addition of ZeroCelsius Wealth Studio’s $134 million in AUM brings Carson Group’s total AUM to over $57 billion, a figure that has grown substantially over the past five years. According to the firm’s latest financial report, Carson Group’s AUM has increased by more than 20% in the past two years alone.

Future Implications and Road Ahead

Looking ahead, Carson Group’s leadership has emphasized the importance of maintaining the culture and values of each acquired firm. According to White, the goal is to ensure that the spirit of each office is preserved while enhancing it through the firm’s scale, systems, and long-term support.

“Our role is not to change that spirit, but to strengthen it with the scale, systems and long-term support that helps ensure their clients thrive for generations to come,” White said.

Industry experts believe that the acquisition will have long-term implications for the financial services sector. As more firms seek to consolidate and expand their services, the landscape is likely to see continued growth and innovation in the coming years.

“This acquisition is not just about growth, but about building a more resilient and sustainable financial services ecosystem,” said Mitchell. “Carson Group’s ability to integrate new offices while preserving their unique identities is a model that other firms may look to follow.”

With the acquisition complete, Carson Group is now positioned to further its mission of delivering personalized financial guidance to clients across the country. The firm is expected to announce additional strategic initiatives in the coming months, including new technology integrations and expanded client services.