Oaktree-backed GA Group buys Dallas litigation support firm Trampe Settles

GA Group, a financial advisory and investment banking services provider backed by Oaktree Capital Management, has acquired Trampe Settles, a Dallas-based family law litigation support firm, PE Hub reported. The deal adds a four-person team led by Brian Trampe, with no financial terms disclosed.

The acquisition expands GA Group’s financial advisory services platform into a specialist area that supports family law disputes, according to PE Hub. Such work can involve financial analysis, valuation and litigation support where private assets, business interests or other financial matters are contested in legal proceedings.

GA Group provides financial advisory, valuation, asset disposition and investment banking services, PE Hub reported. The addition of Trampe Settles gives the firm a team focused on family law litigation support, a niche that typically draws on forensic accounting, valuation and expert advisory capabilities.

Team joins GA platform

The acquired firm was founded in 2024, according to PE Hub. Its four-person team is led by Brian Trampe, who co-founded Trampe Settles.

Before establishing Trampe Settles, Trampe led the family law forensics, litigation and valuation services group at AltaView Advisors, PE Hub reported. He also held senior positions at Weaver and other firms.

Curt Germany, senior managing director and FAS national practice leader at GA Group, said the transaction supports the firm’s plan to build a broader financial advisory practice.

“Bringing Brian and his team onto the GA platform is a key part of our strategy to build a full service, full lifecycle financial advisory services practice,” Germany said, according to PE Hub. “Family law matters often require a combination of technical expertise, responsiveness, and judgment under tight timelines, and Brian has built an impressive practice and reputation in this highly nuanced area.”

Private equity backing

GA Group is backed by Oaktree Capital Management, PE Hub reported. Oaktree is listed by PE Hub as an investor associated with GA Group, though the report did not provide details on Oaktree’s ownership stake, investment date or transaction structure.

The report also did not specify whether Trampe Settles’ name will continue to be used, whether its Dallas office will remain unchanged, or how the acquired team will be integrated into GA Group’s operating structure.

For GA Group, the deal adds specialist personnel rather than a disclosed asset base or quantified revenue stream. For Oaktree-backed platforms in professional services, acquisitions of small expert teams can be used to broaden service lines, add client relationships and increase geographic or sector coverage, though PE Hub did not report any financial targets tied to this transaction.

This story draws on original reporting from PE Hub.