Combination creates a unified, Osaic-supported advisory firm with more than $500 million in assets and a century of collective experience

Butler Associates Financial Planners, Inc. (“Butler Associates”), led by Jason Sturm, and Shore Group Advisors, led by Jon Shore, today announced their intent to merge, forming a single wealth advisory firm anchored in Midwestern values and supported by the scale and resources of Osaic, one of the nation’s largest providers of wealth management strategies. Upon closing, Butler Associates will rebrand under the Shore Group Advisors name, reflecting the firms’ shared culture and unified direction. With the merger, Shore will become CEO and Sturm will take over as CFO.

The merger combines decades of experience serving professionals, families and fellow advisors. With more than $500 million in assets under management (AUM), the merged firm will be headquartered in Sunset Hills, MO while expanding its reach from Florida to the Pacific Northwest.

Butler Associates and Shore Group Advisors were introduced through their affiliation with Osaic, which also has provided each firm with modern technology, integrated planning tools and succession-ready infrastructure. This partnership creates a natural path toward a unified organization built for long-term continuity and client experience.

“By joining forces with Shore Group Advisors, we strengthen our ability to deliver exceptional client service, deepen our bench of expertise and expand our reach from the Midwest to both coasts,” said Sturm. “Our focus remains on helping clients live with confidence — empowering retirees to stay comfortably retired and helping professionals reach a point where work becomes optional.”

The newly combined firm will bring together Butler Associates’ long-standing presence in St. Louis with Shore Group Advisors’ planning-first approach. Osaic’s business consulting, practice management resources and integrated platform have enabled both firms to scale efficiently, creating a strong foundation for their next chapter.

“We’ve always believed great financial planning isn’t just about money — it’s about time, freedom and family,” said Jon Shore, founder of Shore Group Advisors. “Joining forces with Butler Associates allows us to bring that philosophy to more people while staying true to our Midwestern roots and values. The Shore Group Advisors brand represents our collective strength, continuity and shared purpose.”

In addition to strengthening service for families and individuals, the organization will expand its ability to act as “the advisor’s advisor,” offering a more robust structure for financial professionals preparing for succession, retirement or practice transitions. The integration enhances the firm’s planning, investment management and operational capabilities — areas already supported by Osaic’s national platform.

What Clients Can Expect

• Seamless integration, ensuring continuity in relationships, service and account management.
• Expanded planning and implementation teams, giving advisors more support while preserving lead-advisor relationships.
• Enhanced education and legacy planning programs, including next-generation engagement and retirement lifestyle design.
• National reach with local roots, combining Midwestern accessibility and authenticity with nationwide planning capabilities.

Clients of both firms will receive direct communication outlining how the merger enhances their experience and the steps being taken to ensure a smooth, transparent transition.

To learn more about the combined Shore Group Advisors, visit www.ShoreGroupAdvisors.com.

About Butler Associates Financial Planners, Inc.

Founded in 1987 and based in St. Louis, Butler Associates is an independent advisory firm serving individuals, families, and private businesses with tailored investment and retirement strategies built on decades of experience, integrity, and personal service.

About Shore Group Advisors

Based in Kirkwood, Missouri, Shore Group Advisors is a planning-first wealth advisory firm helping clients design financial strategies aligned with their life goals. The firm also serves as a trusted partner for other financial professionals navigating practice transitions and succession planning.

About Osaic:

Osaic, Inc. (“Osaic”), a portfolio company of Reverence Capital Partners, is one of the nation’s largest providers of wealth management strategies, supporting approximately 11,000 financial professionals. Osaic’s mission is to create leading wealth management solutions that enhance lives and legacies. Visit www.osaic.com to learn more.

Securities and investment advisory services are offered through the firms: Osaic Wealth, Inc. and Osaic Institutions, Inc., broker-dealers, registered investment advisers, and members of FINRA and SIPC.

Securities are offered through Osaic Services, Inc. and Ladenburg Thalmann & Co., broker-dealers and members of FINRA and SIPC. Advisory services are offered through Ladenburg Thalmann Asset Management, Inc., Osaic Advisory Services, LLC. and CW Advisors, LLC., registered investment advisers. Advisory programs offered by Osaic Wealth, Inc. are sponsored by VISION2020 Wealth Management Corp., an affiliated registered investment adviser.

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