Mariner Holdings Acquires Flyover Capital

LEAWOOD, Kan., Sept. 8, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Mariner Holdings, an independent financial services firm and the parent company of Montage Investments, today announced that it has acquired Flyover Capital Partners. Headquartered in Kansas City, Flyover Capital joins Montage as its newest asset management affiliate and will focus on investment opportunities in early stage technology companies in the Midwest that are building long-term, sustainable businesses.

"The partnership with Flyover Capital is the result of an increasing need among our clients for greater access to early stage venture investment opportunities," said Martin C. Bicknell, chief executive officer of Mariner Holdings. "We've seen exciting innovation coming out of the Midwest over the last several years and have been looking for the right way to assist clients who wish to participate in the growth of Midwestern companies. Flyover Capital is one of few firms that understands and focuses specifically on this market opportunity, and I am thrilled to bring these capabilities to our clients through this new partnership."

Flyover Capital will participate in the rapid growth of early-stage technology companies in emerging areas, such as mobile, healthcare and agricultural technology that are located in what the team refers to as "flyover country." Flyover Capital believes that its team's experience in technology operations and investing throughout the Midwest allows it to evaluate and invest in world-class companies.

The management team is comprised of the following four experienced partners: Tom DeBacco, Thad Langford, Keith Molzer and Michael Peck. The partners have previously worked at, or have started, their own technology companies and managed venture funds, with a common focus on entrepreneurship and innovation. Additionally, management's state-based economic development and corporate technology venture experience provides added access to policy makers and potential partners.

According to Tom DeBacco, a general partner at Flyover Capital, "When most people think of technology opportunities, they think of Silicon Valley and the East Coast. However, there has been a huge void of institutional, early stage capital for the growing number of opportunities here in the Midwest. Over the last several years, there has been an incredible amount of investment in our infrastructure, from education to technology accelerators and incubators spawning great business ideas. The Midwest enjoys some of the most favorable state and local economic environments and can provide great platforms for investors and portfolio companies that are unique to this region of the country. We're excited about the activity taking place in the Midwest, and we are glad to be able to support start-ups in our own backyard."

Flyover Capital joins the Mariner family as its latest asset management affiliate under Montage Investments. Montage will provide support to Flyover Capital through its team of 38 dedicated sales professionals. Flyover Capital will also be supported by additional associates in the areas of finance, operations, human resources, information technology, compliance and legal – allowing the firm's professionals to focus on managing assets with few distractions.

"We are thrilled to be joining Montage Investments," said Keith Molzer, a general partner at Flyover Capital. "Montage leads the way in supporting innovative investment firms as they grow and develop solutions for a wide range of investors. We look forward to what the future holds for Flyover Capital as Montage's latest affiliate."

About Mariner Holdings
Mariner Holdings is a rapidly growing and award-winning independent financial services firm focusing on wealth and asset management through its two subsidiaries: Mariner Wealth Advisors and Montage Investments.

Visit www.mariner-holdings.com for more information.

About Montage Investments
Based in Leawood, Kansas, Montage Investments provides institutional-caliber investments to investors and the financial professionals who serve them. Through a family of independent asset managers, unified by deep market insight and fundamental research, Montage offers alternative investment solutions across the spectrum of asset classes and strategies that include mutual funds, closed-end funds and separate accounts. Collectively, Montage Investments managed nearly $27 billion as of June 30, 2014.

Visit www.montageinvestments.com for more information.

About Flyover Capital
Headquartered in Leawood, Kansas, Flyover Capital invests in early stage growth technology companies in the Midwest. Flyover's experienced team applies a unique combination of fund management and operational expertise to identify early stage technology opportunities.

Visit www.flyovercapital.com for more information.

SOURCE Mariner Holdings, LLC