Everything in this world has a price.  And the right price for Securities America Financial Corp. was $150 million.  The buyer is Ladenburg Thalmann Financial Services Inc., which agreed to pay $150mn in cash to Ameriprise Financial.  Ameriprise may also receive future payments if the independent broker-dealer reaches certain financial criteria. 

The acquisition, which fits in well with Ladenburg's efforts to increase its market share in the independent advisory space, is expected to close by the end of the year.  Financing will be provided by an affiliate of Phillip Frost, Ladenburg's principal shareholder and chairman.  Mr. Frost added that it's a "transformative transaction for Ladenburg, enabling us to immediately bolster our position ..."

Ladenburg, an investment-banking company, reported earlier this month that it swung to a profit in the 2nd quarter, as revenues rose 27% - led by its independent brokerage and advisory services businesses.  [WSJournal. 8/17/11]