Hershey specializes in financial planning and investment management. The firm also assists clients with preparing their individual, state, and local income tax returns and offers long-term care and disability insurance solutions. Gregory K. Richards, Principal of Hershey, will take on the role of Wealth Manager and Partner at Merit and will be joined by the rest of his team.

“At Hershey, we always put our clients' best interests first,” said Greg. “By joining forces with Merit, we’re infusing more resources into our offering, providing us more time to spend with clients. Merit’s offering will simplify our back-office complexities, broaden our access to technology, and increase our reach in the region.”

This is Merit’s thirty-third acquisition since taking a minority investment in December 2020 from Wealth Partners Capital Group (“WPCG”) and a group of strategic investors led by HGGC’s Aspire Holdings platform. Last month, Merit acquired Pillar Wealth Management Co., which expanded Merit’s assets by $179 million and added two new offices in Wisconsin. 

“We are excited to welcome the Hershey team to Merit and establish a presence in this thriving area of Pennsylvania,” said Tyler Vernon, Managing Principal and Partner at Merit. “Greg and his team of professionals are closely aligned with Merit’s core values, and we’re looking forward to a prosperous partnership.” 

The merger was finalized on February 7, 2025. FP Transitions acted as the sole advisor in this transaction. Financial and legal terms of the deal were not disclosed.