M&A roundup: LGA, BA, HW&Co., De Boer Baumann and Avantax expand

Details: LGA, LLP merged in ALL CPAs, effective Nov. 1, expanding its presence in New England.

The combined firm will operate under the LGA brand with offices in Woburn and Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts, and Salem, New Hampshire. With 125 employees, LGA is expected to become one of the top 20 largest accounting firms in Massachusetts. The firm ranked No. 19 on Accounting Today’s 2021 Regional Leaders list for the top firms in New England.

Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. The combined firm is expected to have annual revenue of $22 million, with ALL adding $8 million in annual revenue to LGA’s $14 million in revenue. The combined 125 employees include 40 from ALL and 85 from LGA 85.

“LGA’s focus on growth is driven by our commitment to deliver the highest level of value and service to our clients while attracting and retaining bright and collaborative team members,” said LGA managing partner John Geraci in a statement. “ALL CPAs’ outstanding reputation with their clients and within the community is harmonious with LGA’s core values of service and care.”

The firms will combine their tax, accounting and business advisory services groups. LGA provides services such as fractional CFO, investment banking, best practice reviews, exit planning and M&A advisory. As a member of the Russell Bedford International network, the firm can offer guidance for clients who are expanding internationally and assist foreign companies looking to do business in the U.S.

“ALL CPAs and LGA share many synergies in our experience and values, which make this merger exciting for our staff and clients,” said ALL CPAs managing partner Ron Loberfeld in a statement. “Combining our two well-established firms will make us a leader in the New England market, and ensure our client needs are met now and well into the future.”

Details: BA Inc., formerly known as Burke & Associates CPAs Inc., has merged with Flynn Accounting Solutions, effective Nov. 1.

For the past 20 years, both firms have been helping small and midsized business clients. The firm’s combined operations in Rockland and Woburn, Massachusetts, are expected to provide it with larger geographic coverage and more comprehensive client services. The BA and Flynn team includes approximately 40 professionals, including nine CPAs, tax and accounting professionals, financial planners, and a team of specialists in client accounting services. The firm’s main industry focus areas include architecture, design, technology, professional services and real estate development. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.

“We quickly learned in our initial discussions that both firms share a common vision rooted in helping entrepreneurial businesses succeed,” said BA managing director John Burke in a statement. “This merger has felt like a very natural step to expand the resources and services we bring to our valued clients.”

Details: HW&Co., a regional CPA and advisory firm with offices in Cleveland, Columbus and Mentor, Ohio has merged in The Shealy Group, based in Mansfield, Ohio.

The Shealy Group joins more than 120 HW&Co. professionals serving clients across Ohio and the United States. Prior to the merger, the Shealy Group had eight employees, including one partner, while HW&Co. had 127 employees, including 27 partners. Financial terms were not disclosed.

The Shealy Group was founded in 2001 by Dave Shealy, who will become managing principal of HW&Co.’s Mansfield location, which will be HW&Co.’s fifth office. “The Shealy Group is pleased to join with HW&Co.,” Shealy said in a statement. “We believe our shared values and combined knowledge will enable us to continue to serve our clients at the highest level.”

“The Shealy Group provides HW&Co. the opportunity to expand our presence throughout Ohio, not only with their expertise in agribusiness, but they also add to our extensive list of manufacturing and distribution, and health care clientele,” said HW&Co. CEO Brandon Miller in a statement. “Dave Shealy and his staff have exceptional talent and we look forward to integrating them into our team.”

HW&Co. said it is the 14th largest firm CPA firm in the Greater Cleveland area. Last year, HW&Co. added Finkler & Co. CPAs, a firm based in Middleburg Heights, Ohio.