RUSTON – Tulsa, Ok.,-based AmeriTrust Companies announced it is merging with Argent Financial Group, the largest independent trust-based wealth management company the South.
With this merger, Ruston-based Argent now has responsibility for $19 billion in client assets and two million mineral acres, and it comprises over 270 professionals operating 29 locations in 12 southern states, including Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee and Texas.
“We are delighted to welcome AmeriTrust to the Argent family,” said Argent Financial Group CEO Kyle McDonald. “AmeriTrust’s fiduciary approach to wealth management meshes seamlessly with our business philosophy and, like Argent, AmeriTrust’s clients are accustomed to a high level of personal service. This is a big win for both of our companies and our clients.”
AmeriTrust Companies includes AmeriTrust Corporation, an Oklahoma trust company, and AmeriTrust Investment Advisors, Inc., an Oklahoma financial planning firm. AmeriTrust CEO Harvie Roe, who founded the company 21 years ago, will continue to manage AmeriTrust from its current location in Tulsa. Jerry Hudson, a fellow owner and director of AmeriTrust, and Roe will join the board of the merged trust company.
AmeriTrust and Heritage Trust Company of Oklahoma City, another member of the Argent Financial Group, will operate under one Oklahoma trust charter, while continuing to do business as Heritage in Oklahoma City and AmeriTrust in Tulsa – with both benefitting from access to the resources of each other and Argent Financial Group.
“We are excited to partner with Argent Financial and Heritage Trust,” said Roe. “Our missions are closely aligned. Personally knowing the management of Heritage and learning about their successful combination with Argent was beneficial in our decision. We believe this merger provides additional depth in the services we offer and will benefit our clients.”
“This transaction is another step forward in our strategy to partner with other fiduciary companies and management teams who share our culture and business philosophy,” said Bond Payne, Chairman of Heritage Trust. “Our team has known and admired Harvie for more than twenty years. He is an industry pioneer who will help us build a sustainable company for the next generation of clients and employees.”
About Argent Financial Group
Argent Financial Group, domiciled in Ruston, Louisiana, was formed in 1990 and traces its roots to 1930. Argent Financial Group provides individuals, families, institutions and businesses with a broad range of wealth management services including trust administration and related services, investment management, family office services, retirement plan and charitable organization administration, mineral (oil and gas) rights management, and financial, retirement and estate planning. For more information, visit www.ArgentFinancial.com.