Two accounting firms that are part of the Ascend platform have completed recent M&A deals, with Lucas Horsfall in Pasadena, California, integrating Gettleson, Witzer & O'Connor of Encino, California, and Wilson Lewis in Atlanta merging in Alexander, Almand & Bangs of Gainesville, Georgia.
Ascend is a private-equity backed entity funded by Alpine Investors that has been steadily adding more accounting firms since it was
"In the years since they joined Ascend, Lucas Horsfall and Wilson Lewis have built upon their reputations as premier destinations for talent in the Los Angeles and greater Atlanta markets," said Ascend president Nishaad Ruparel in a statement Tuesday. "Both leadership teams had a goal to build a middle-market firm of consequence, without compromising excellence in culture and client service. Lucas Horsfall's combination with GWO provides a family services offering that has created financial peace of mind for entertainment families in the Valley for generations, and has engendered fierce loyalty and a sterling reputation in doing so. Wilson Lewis's acquisition of AAB provides a foothold in Gainesville, anchored by a young partner group who share that high bar. It is fun to work in service of our firm's goals."
Gettleson, Witzer & O'Connor is a family services and business management firm that was founded in 2000. GWO is adding two partners — Randal O'Connor and Seth Gettleson — and 44 staff members to Lucas Horsfall. GWO caters to the entertainment industry and has been recognized on Variety's Business Managers Elite list and as a Top Business Manager by the Hollywood Reporter. Thanks to the merger, Lucas Horsfall now has three offices in Pasadena, Encino and Irvine, California.
"GWO and LH share a common commitment to excellence," Lucas Horsfall CEO Mike Amerio said in a statement. "By uniting our strengths, we can deliver wide-ranging expertise, greater scale, and a more innovative approach, ultimately bringing more value to the clients and communities we serve."
Alexander, Almand & Bangs dates back to 1971 and is adding four partners and 13 staff members to the Wilson Lewis team. Wilson Lewis already has three offices in Atlanta, Sandy Springs and Duluth, Georgia.
"We could not be more excited to welcome John Alexander, Andy Bangs, Rachel Byers-Miller, Bryan St. Pierre, and their entire team to Wilson Lewis," said Wilson Lewis CEO Josh Crisp in a statement. "Their commitment to service and strong roots in the Gainesville community make this an ideal partnership that will only improve our collective client-centric approach. By bringing our firms together, we're strengthening our capabilities, expanding opportunities for our employees, and building on our commitment to improving the client experience. Our combined team will benefit from a broader support system, shared best practices, and a stronger platform for career development—making Wilson Lewis an even better place to build a career."
Earlier this month, Ascend added
