HighTower has entered into its 40th partnership with the addition of the Andriole Group.

The Andriole Group manages $700 million in client assets and is the first HighTower team based in Connecticut.

Founder Charles Andriole, along with the firm’s other principals, Geoffrey Gregory, Robert DeLucca and Matthew Montana, are joining HighTower as partners and managing directors.

Formerly part of Merrill Lynch Wealth Management, the Andriole Group focuses on mergers and acquisitions, trust and estate planning, intergenerational wealth transfers, philanthropy and concentrated stock and options management.

The group includes wealth management advisors Eric Hanson, Christopher McFadden and Alexandra Miele and senior client service associates Michele Arsenault and Carol Aragon.