M&A roundup: Forvis Mazars, Blue, LGA and RBSK expand

November 1, 2024 4:11 PM

Forvis Mazars acquires MSL; Blue & Co. merges in Mellen, Smith, and Pivoz; LGA adds Comolli; RBSK Partners acquires Hash CPA Group.

Forvis Mazars acquires MSL

Courtesy of Forvis Mazars

Forvis Mazars is expanding in Florida through the acquisition of MSL, P.A., effective Nov. 1.

The deal will add new offices in Orlando, Fort Lauderdale and Tallahassee to the firm.

Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. Forvis Mazars had annual revenues of approximately $2.2 billion in the U.S. in fiscal year 2024, ending May 31. Revenues for MSL were not disclosed. Forvis Mazars has more than 7,000 team members and over 600 partners in the U.S. Globally it has a combined $5 billion in revenue, 40,000 employees and nearly 1,800 partners in 103 different countries. MSL has approximately 120 team members, including 14 partners.

"MSL has an incredible reputation in Florida, and we are excited about the opportunities to leverage each other's strengths to serve clients here in new and dynamic ways," said Paul Thompson, Florida managing partner for Forvis Mazars, in a statement Friday. "This is a great cultural fit as well, which was important as we considered how this could benefit our people and clients."

MSL dates back about 50 years and offers audit, tax, and consulting services along with an audit practice for clients in the healthcare, public sector, construction, real estate, commercial products and nonprofit sectors.

"This move greatly enhances the resources and services we can provide to clients and opens up extraordinary new opportunities for our team members," said MSL president Kevin Murphy in a statement. "Clients will have access to a deeper bench of professionals and specialists—in Florida, across the country, and around the world thanks to the Forvis Mazars global network. Our people will see rewarding career options serving new industries, and they will be able to tap into Forvis Mazars' award-winning training and professional development programs."

Forvis was formed about two years ago through the merger of two Top 20 Firms, BKD CPAs & Advisors and Dixon Hughes Goodman, which combined under the name "Forvis" in reference to their "forward vision." It completed its merger with the global accounting network Mazars in June. In September, it completed a smaller acquisition, of ConTech360, a Charlotte, North Carolina-based construction technology firm, which had been previously announced by Forvis prior to the close of its deal with Mazars.

Blue & Co. merges in Mellen, Smith, and Pivoz

Courtesy of Blue & Co.

Blue & Co., LLC, a Top 75 Firm based in Carmel, Indiana, has added Mellen, Smith, and Pivoz, PLC, expanding Blue into the Detroit, Michigan, area, effective Nov. 1.

Blue & Co. added three partners — Jason Pivoz, Mark Smith and Jeffry Campeau — and eight staff members from MS&P who specialize in federal, state, and multinational tax planning and compliance, business valuation and consulting services. Founded in 1970, Blue has over 500 people in 11 offices across Indiana, Ohio, Michigan and Kentucky. Blue ranked No, 56 on Accounting Today's 2024 list of Top 100 Firms. The firm earned $132,903,493 in annual revenue this year. Financial terms of the deal were confidential.

"We are excited to announce that MS&P will be joining Blue & Co.," said Blue & Co. managing director Brad Shaw in a statement Friday. "Expanding into a new market like Michigan is a pivotal step for our firm."

He sees the two firms as sharing the same core values and commitment to strategic growth. "Blue & Co. is going to provide our clients and people with access to the resources, knowledge, and expertise that help them not only grow, but thrive," said Jason Pivoz, a director at MS&P and the new director in charge of the new Blue & Co Detroit office, in a statement, "We are excited to see what the future holds as we embark on this new journey together."

LGA adds Comolli

LGA LLP, a Regional Leader firm based in Woburn, Massachusetts, is merging in Comolli & Co. PC, based in Salem, New Hampshire, expanding LGA's footprint in that state.

Comolli offers strategic tax planning, financial reporting and M&A services, focusing on industries such as dental, real estate, manufacturing and professional services. Other services include audit and assurance capabilities, outsourced accounting and fractional CFO services, quality of earnings, buy and sell side due diligence and business valuations, forensics and litigation support.

LGA was a $30 million+ revenue firm prior to the merger, and with projected growth from additional strategic mergers — including this one — LGA expects to exceed $35 million in revenue by 2025. LGA added two CPAs, Douglas Comolli and Kathleen Robart, bringing the total number in the firm to 27 partners and over 160 professionals. LGA ranked No. 10 on Accounting Today's 2024 Regional Leaders list of the Top Firms in New England.

"We are delighted to welcome Doug Comolli and his talented team to LGA," said LGA managing partner John Geraci in a statement Friday. "Doug's depth of industry knowledge and commitment to client service perfectly align with our firm's core values. This merger accelerates our growth in New Hampshire and expands our ability to offer enhanced services across the region."

Comolli founded the firm in 1989. "Joining LGA is a natural fit for our firm and a tremendous opportunity for our clients," he said in a statement. "They will now benefit from LGA's extensive resources while continuing to receive the personal attention they've always valued. I look forward to leveraging LGA's capabilities to provide even greater value to our clients."

RBSK Partners acquires Hash CPA Group

RBSK partners

Courtesy of RBSK

RBSK Partners, a firm based in Greensburg, Indiana, has acquired Hash CPA Group, based in Franklin, Indiana.

This strategic acquisition marks a significant milestone for RBSK Partners, expanding its client base and strengthening its position in the state. Besides Greensburg, the firm also has offices in Batesville, Brookville, Columbus, and Seymour, Indiana.

Hash CPA Group was purchased for an undisclosed amount. RBSK has four partners and will retain all members of the Hash CPA staff for a total of 34 employees.

"We are excited to bring the talented team at Hash CPA Group into the RBSK Partners family," said RBSK managing partner John G. Seale in a statement Monday. "This acquisition allows us to broaden our reach and deepen our expertise, ensuring that we continue to meet the evolving needs of our clients. We are committed to maintaining the strong relationships that Hash CPA Group has built over the years, and we look forward to providing our new clients with the exceptional service that RBSK Partners is known for."

Hash CPA Group specializes in tax planning and preparation, financial statement preparation and business consulting. By joining forces with RBSK Partners, clients will have access to an expanded range of services, including enhanced business advisory solutions, audit and assurance, and advanced technology and resources.

"We are thrilled to join RBSK Partners, a firm that shares our values of integrity, client focus, and dedication to excellence," said owner Dennis Hash in a statement. "This partnership will provide our clients with even greater resources and opportunities for growth, while continuing the personalized service they have always enjoyed."