Henschen & Associates

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  Broker-Dealer Pacific West to Close Its Doors

  By John Sullivan, AdvisorOne  |  December 6, 2011

  In a further sign of economic and legal trouble for the independent broker-dealer space, Pacific West Financial Group, based in Renton, Wash., announced it was discontinuing operations.

• Ladenburg Thalmann to Buy Securities America

  By Janet Levaux, AdvisorOne  |  September 29, 2011

  Ladenburg Thalmann said that it planned to pay Ameriprise Financial $150 million in cash for Securities America in late August. In addition, the Miami-based broker-dealer says it will pay up to $70 million in 2012 and 2013 in so-called earn-outs, as the firm explained in an SEC report. Plus, Ameriprise...

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  Private Equity Firm Buys Indy BD First Allied

  By Joyce Hanson, AdvisorOne  |  August 23, 2011

  Independent broker-dealer First Allied announced that it has joined in an acquisition deal with private equity firm Lovell Minnick Partners, allowing the BD and Lovell to buy First Allied from parent Advanced Equities.

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  Securities America Sale: Final Price Could Be $220 Million; Big Retention Bonuses

  By Janet Levaux, AdvisorOne  |  August 19, 2011

  Ladenburg Thalmann files 8-K; retention bonuses of 15% of yearly fees and commissions are being offered by the company, sources say.

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  Securities America Deal: ‘Huge Gamble’ for Advisors and Ladenburg, Experts Say

  By Janet Levaux, AdvisorOne  |  August 17, 2011

  Recruiters are concerned that the deal will be good for Ameriprise but leave advisors in the cold, leaving them with uncertainty and lacking in better services and products.

• Few Buyers for Exiting Broker-Dealers

  By Janet Levaux, AdvisorOne  |  July 28, 2011

  While rumors persist about possible suitors for Securities America, Morgan Keegan and other broker-dealers on the market, experts say the pool of buyers has shrunk dramatically over the past few years.

• Hard Time for BDs on the Block to Find Suitors

  By Janet Levaux, AdvisorOne  |  July 26, 2011

• Succession Planning--In Case You Missed It

  By John Sullivan, AdvisorOne  |  July 1, 2011

  Succession plans are going to be the standout going forward because of our aging rep force.

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  Sale of Securities America, Morgan Keegan Hindered by Weak M&A Environment

  By Janet Levaux, AdvisorOne  |  June 30, 2011

  Continuing liabilities and other fallout from the financial crisis has limited the pool of potential broker-dealer suitors.

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  2011 Broker-Dealer Presidents' Poll—Slideshow

  By John Sullivan, AdvisorOne  |  June 1, 2011

  Investment Advisor surveyed over 70 presidents and heads of broker-dealers big and small.