Lynnfield-based Mortgage Equity Partners has combined forces with Stepstone Mortgage in a merger finalized at the beginning of the month.

Stepstone has been in business for over 25 years, retaining much of its founding staff during that time. All will remain at their current location, 31 Atlantic Ave. in Marblehead.

Conrad Rousseau, founder and previous owner of Stepstone Mortgage Co., which he started in 1988, said he was pleased to announce the merger.

“It is hard to make a move like this after so many years,” Rousseau said in a statement. “That said, there are so many benefits to joining forces with a larger firm that offers more product and programs, aggressive pricing and top-tier technology, so as I look towards the end of my career this move seemed like the right fit for me and my team.”

“We are thrilled and honored to have Stepstone join the MEP family” Sean Riley, president and CEO of Mortgage Equity Partners said in a statement. “This is a wonderful match for us, as MEP and Stepstone share common beliefs about how best to take care of the consumer, educate the community and serve our referral partners.”