Boston’s Back Bay Financial Group Inc. will merge with a New Jersey firm in January to create an independent, fee-only wealth management firm with more than $900 million in assets under management.

The merger between Back Bay Financial Group and Modera Wealth Management, of Westwood, N.J., will result in approximately 550 clients and 28 employees. All principals and existing offices will remain, and the combined firm will operate under the name of Modera Wealth Management LLC since the name is free of geographic limitations, but will use Back Bay Financial Group’s column icon.

"We’re all very excited about combining strengths. Rarely are two partners so well matched in terms of philosophy, culture and client commitment. This merger is aimed at maintaining the independence clients desire and value, while providing greater resources and complementary professional expertise," said John H. LeBlanc, one of Back Bay Financial Group’s principals.

Greg Plechner, a principal of Modera added, "This pairing is the best means of continuing to serve clients in a fiduciary capacity and ensuring the financial goals of this and future generations of clients will be met with objective, fee-only advice and exceptional client services."

Besides LeBlanc and Plechner, the remaining principals of the new firm will be Robert D. Siefert of Back Bay Financial Group and Thomas A. Orecchio and Mark A. Willoughby of Modera. The highly experienced staff will include 15 certified financial planners (CFP), three chartered financial analyst (CFA) charterholders, two certified public accountants (CPA) and employees carrying other advanced designations and degrees, principals said.