National Bank Financial Group has acquired Retirement Option Group, a full service securities broker specializing in personal financial planning.

National Bank says Retirement Option Group’s $1.5 billion in assets under management will enable the bank to strengthen its presence in the Quebec market and its position as a wealth management leader in Quebec.

“This is our fourth and largest transaction since the beginning of 2008. We have once again confirmed that our Financial Group is always on the lookout for new growth opportunities,” says Luc Paiement, executive vp – wealth management and co-CEO of National Bank Financial.

“Uniting the talents of Retirement Option Group employees with those of the Bank will enable clients to benefit from a wider range of tools and services adapted to the reality of today’s financial markets,” says Richard Dorval, founder, chairman and CEO of Retirement Option Group, who will join the National Bank Financial Group team as special advisor to management and strategic advisor — retirement Planning and Solutions.

National Bank Financial Group acquired Toronto-based Aquilon Capital Corp. and Quebec-based Everest Financial Group in February 2008 and Manitoba-based Bieber Securities in May.

IE