Acquisition
Wealthspire’s Ground Control Acquires Nashville Boutique Wiles + Taylor & Co.
•February 19, 2026
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Why It Matters
The deal consolidates niche wealth‑management services for the entertainment sector, giving high‑net‑worth artists a single, scalable advisor for complex income streams. It positions Ground Control as a leading platform for integrated financial and operational support in the evolving music economy.
Key Takeaways
- •Ground Control acquires Wiles + Taylor, Nashville boutique.
- •First acquisition outside California, adds 65 employees.
- •Expands services to touring, royalties, global music revenue.
- •Complements recent Ceres Financial Management purchase.
- •Strengthens Wealthspire’s music‑industry advisory platform.
Pulse Analysis
The entertainment‑wealth niche has accelerated in recent years as artists’ revenue sources diversify beyond record sales into touring, streaming, merchandising and brand partnerships. Advisors that can navigate the tax, royalty and risk complexities of these streams are in high demand, prompting a wave of strategic consolidations. By integrating a boutique with deep touring and royalty expertise, Ground Control taps into a specialized skill set that many traditional wealth firms lack, offering clients a more holistic financial picture.
Ground Control’s acquisition strategy reflects a deliberate push to build a full‑stack advisory platform. The Nashville team brings on‑the‑ground knowledge of global income tracking, tour cash‑flow management, and cross‑border tax compliance—areas that are increasingly critical as artists embark on multi‑market tours and digital distribution. Retaining the existing culture while leveraging Wealthspire’s broader resources allows the combined entity to deliver high‑touch, discretionary service at scale, a value proposition that resonates with high‑net‑worth entertainers seeking both personalized attention and institutional backing.
Industry observers see this move as a bellwether for further consolidation among boutique firms serving creative professionals. As revenue models grow more intricate, the competitive edge will belong to advisors who can blend financial acumen with sector‑specific operational insight. Ground Control’s expanded footprint positions it to capture a larger share of the music‑industry advisory market, potentially prompting rivals to pursue similar acquisitions or partnerships to remain relevant in a rapidly evolving landscape.
Deal Summary
Wealthspire’s Ground Control Business Management announced the acquisition of Nashville‑based boutique firm Wiles + Taylor & Co., a music industry business management and tax advisory specialist. The deal expands Ground Control’s capabilities in touring, royalties, and music revenue, adding about 65 employees and marking its first acquisition outside California. The transaction was finalized in February 2026.
Article
Source: Wealth Professional Canada – ETFs
Wealth management firm’s business advisory arm adds business reputed for financial intricacies of the music business
Wealthspire’s Ground Control Business Management has taken a significant step in its growth strategy by finalizing the purchase of Nashville’s Wiles + Taylor & Co., a boutique business management and tax advisory firm focused on the music industry.
The deal marks Ground Control’s first acquisition outside California and brings deep touring, royalties and music revenue expertise into its platform, widening its service capabilities for artists, songwriters and industry executives.
Last month Ground Control acquired Ceres Financial Management, a firm providing business and wealth management to entertainers, entrepreneurs, and other high‑net‑worth individuals in the LA area. The latest addition to the firm further bolsters its capabilities to support these groups.
“Supporting top‑tier artists and their teams has been central to Ground Control’s mission for years, and this partnership accelerates what we can deliver,” said Chris Bucci, chief executive officer of Ground Control. “Wiles + Taylor adds a high‑caliber team on tour operations, royalty administration, and the real‑world complexity behind modern music income. Together we can offer a more seamless model with precision at scale and with the discretion and high‑touch service our clients expect.”
Founded in 1986 by Gary Smith, Wiles + Taylor has built a reputation for helping clients navigate the financial intricacies of touring, global income tracking, royalties and risk management tied to domestic and international engagements. Its Nashville team, including partners Steve Eggart and Kevin Dalton, will now bolster Ground Control’s ability to serve artists’ personal finances alongside operational and global priorities.
“Joining Ground Control helps us scale and continue growing without compromising our culture,” said Dwight Wiles, president of Wiles + Taylor. “As touring and global revenue streams grow more complex, artists need advisors who understand both the details and the broader strategy. This partnership gives us additional infrastructure to keep serving our clients’ evolving needs while preserving continuity for our talented team.”
Rob Taylor, vice president of Wiles + Taylor, emphasized the cultural fit and shared long‑term vision, saying the firms can now “elevate and empower our next generation of leaders and ensure long‑term stability as we grow.”
The acquired business will continue operating out of Nashville, tapping into one of America’s most vibrant music hubs. The transaction brings roughly 65 new employees into Ground Control’s fold and reinforces music as a dedicated sector within its broader advisory offering.
Ground Control remains part of Wealthspire’s integrated advisory network, retaining its name while benefiting from the larger platform’s scale and resources.
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