Ascend expands in Texas

Private equity-backed accounting platform Ascend has added Tyler, Texas-based Gollob Morgan Peddy, further expanding its footprint in the Southwest.

Terms of the deal were not disclosed, but GMP brings nine partners and 100 staff to Ascend.

GMP was founded in 1982, and will adopt the alternative practice structure that is typical of PE deals in the accounting space — splitting its attest and non-attest services into two separate entities.

Jamie Billings, head of platform M&A at Ascend, said in a statement, "For more than four decades, Gollob Morgan Peddy has built an exceptional foundation in East Texas and beyond by placing its clients and people at the center of every decision. This commitment has earned GMP its stellar reputation as a trusted advisor to businesses and individuals throughout the Southwest and a great place to build a career. GMP has always paired this strong foundation with a clear vision for the future — a vision that has led their young leadership team to embrace this exciting step from a position of strength. We are thrilled to partner with GMP to support their continued success."

"In today's rapidly evolving business landscape, our partnership with Ascend equips GMP with enhanced resources that benefit both our firm and our clients, all while preserving our core values of relationship-building and exceptional service," GMP CEO Taylor Matthews said in a statement. "The partners at GMP are enthusiastic and invigorated to embark on this new chapter with Ascend."

Formed in 2023, Ascend is backed by private equity firm Alpine Investors and typically works with regional accounting firms with between $15 million and $50 million in revenue. It ranked No. 29 on Accounting Today's  2025 Top 100 Firms list , with $315 million in revenue and almost 1,500 employees.

"Gollob Morgan Peddy shares many characteristics that have become synonymous with Ascend firms — young leadership that sees around corners; clients and talent who feel strongly about personal service; and the imagination to make big plans for an independent future, while seeing the wisdom in integration," said Ascend president Nishaad Ruparel in a statement.

This transaction is the latest in a series of M&A deals Ascend has made in the past 12 months, including with Sweeney Conrad in December; BiggsKofford in November; KSDT in September; BGW and Tronconi, Segarra & Associates in July; Saltmarsh, Cleveland & Gund and Glenn Burdette in June; and MHP in February.