FORT WORTH, Texas - eTradeWire -- Summit Financial Group, Inc., a national financial services organization founded in Tulsa and headquartered in Dallas, has acquired IFC Benefit Solutions, Inc., a Fort Worth-based employee benefits and HR solutions firm founded in 1987. The acquisition is effective August 1, 2026, and strengthens Summit's presence across North Texas while preserving IFC's local relationships and client-centered approach.

"Many mergers and acquisitions in our industry are driven by scale and efficiency," said Dale Young, Chairman and CEO of Summit. "This partnership is different. Our focus is on enhancing the client experience by expanding the resources and support available to employers while preserving the relationships and responsiveness that have made IFC successful. We see an opportunity to improve how clients are served while helping them address increasingly complex benefits and workforce challenges."

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The partnership further connects Summit's national platform with its growing North Texas presence and expands the resources available to IFC clients. This will give these organizations access to practical guidance, responsive service, and broader resources through Summit's relationship-driven model.

"As I considered the future needs of our clients, I wanted to find a partner that could strengthen what we provide without changing the personalized service our clients value," said John Merrifield, owner of IFC Benefit Solutions. "Summit brings additional capabilities, technology, and support that will allow us to serve them in new ways while maintaining the relationships that have been at the center of our business for nearly four decades."

Merrifield will continue serving clients as part of Summit, helping ensure continuity while giving employers access to expanded support. The acquisition reflects a shared commitment to helping employers navigate a changing business environment through practical solutions, responsive service, and long-term partnership.

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About Summit Financial Group

For over 35 years, Summit Financial Group has been a trusted resource, guiding clients to pursue their goals with tailored solutions in Risk Management, Employee Benefits, Insurance, Retirement Plans, Wealth Management, and Medicare. Driven by our core values of integrity, commitment, and innovation, we help secure a brighter future for every client we serve.

Discover the Summit Advantage^TM at www.yoursummit.com.

Registered Representative offering securities through Cetera Wealth Services, LLC, member FINRA/SIPC. Advisory Services offered through Cetera Investment Advisers LLC, a registered investment adviser. Cetera is under separate ownership from any other named entity. 5420 LBJ Freeway, Suite 1940 Dallas, TX 75240.