Warren Averett LLC has merged with Atlanta-based Gifford, Hillegass & Ingwersen and Pender Newkirk & Company of Tampa, Fla. 

Jim Cunningham

With the new additions Warren now has more than 725 employees and a stronger footprint throughout the Southeast. The firm has 14 offices spread throughout Alabama, Florida and Georgia.

“This merger strengthens Warren Averett’s presence in the Southeast by joining three successful firms together across Alabama, Florida and Georgia,” Warren Averett CEO Jim Cunningham said in a statement. “We are proud to be entering the Atlanta and Tampa markets, joining with premier local firms, and together becoming an accounting force across the Southeast."

“Our clients are growing and expanding and so are we, he added. "The Atlanta and Tampa markets are poised for growth and opportunity which will benefit our clients and our firm.”

"Warren Averett continues its quest to become a major mega regional in the southeast with the addition of two high-performing firms in GH&I, of Atlanta and Pender Newkirk, of Tampa,” said Allan Koltin, CEO of Koltin Consulting Group, who advised both firms on the deal. “These firms were highly successful with great reputations in their respective markets. They felt very comfortable with Warren Averett's practice approach, client service philosophies, as well as their commitment to growing people.”