M&A roundup: Firms combine in Minnesota and Ohio

MINNESOTA

Hawkins Ash acquires Thomas Cummings

Details: Hawkins Ash CPAs, a firm based in La Crosse, Wis., has acquired the tax and audit practice of Thomas Cummings, CPA, who is based in Rochester, Minn. The acquisition took effect Dec. 1, 2017.

Cummings has joined Hawkins Ash CPAs as a senior manager and plans to continue to work with his clients in Minnesota. Financial terms were not disclosed.

Hawkins Ash CPAs is a $15.5 million firm with eight offices in Wisconsin and Minnesota. Hawkins Ash CPAs has 16 partners and 140 employees. Cummings was a sole practitioner. He, along with one of his staff members, will be joining Hawkins Ash CPAs.

“This acquisition is beneficial for all parties involved, the clients of Thomas Cummings will benefit from access to expanded services,” said Hawkins Ash CPAs managing partner Abe Leis in a statement. “This acquisition increases our presence in the southeastern Minnesota market and will allow us to grow at a rapid pace. Hawkins Ash CPAs is a growing firm. This acquisition is consistent with the firm’s vision of becoming a growing premier CPA firm in Wisconsin and Minnesota.”

Earlier this year, Hawkins Ash acquired the Green Bay tax and accounting practice of Brian R. Mudd and Michael D. Willis, effective July 1.

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OHIO

Pease merges in Levin Swedler Kennedy

Details: Pease & Associates CPAs, has added Levin Swedler Kennedy in Akron, Ohio, effective Dec. 1, 2017.

The combination will grow Pease to 80 CPAs and professional staff who will continue to provide accounting, auditing, consulting, CFO, acquisition advisory and tax services. The combined firm will operate under the Pease & Associates CPAs name. Financial terms were not disclosed.

“Our newest partnership with Levin Swedler Kennedy is an exciting endeavor for us,” said managing partner Joe Pease in a statement. “Their firm has acquired expertise in a variety of industries while serving closely-held businesses, nonprofit organizations and individuals over the course of over 30 years.”

The combined firm will operate in Cleveland, Akron, and Beachwood, Ohio.

Both firms have worked together for many years. Levin Swedler Kennedy was founded in 1986 and has 15 professionals.

“We are proud of the exceptional practice that our team has built in Akron and are so grateful to our loyal clients who have been instrumental in our continued success,” said partner Gary Levin in a statement. “The offer to join Pease & Associates was very appealing, as it affords our clients and our professionals a larger geographic footprint while expanding our talent, resources, and industry offerings.”

Pease & Associates, CPAs is a member of the CPAmerica International accounting association. “Better Together” is the theme of the merger, with plans to deliver more creative solutions, a wider array of services, added resources and expertise.

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