Cherry Bekaert acquired Richardson Kontogouris Emerson, expanding the Top 25 Firm's presence on the West Coast.
RKE, an accounting and advisory firm headquartered in Torrance, California, strengthens Cherry Bekaert's ability to service middle-market companies, founders and private investors in Southern California.
In 2022, Cherry Bekaert received private equity funding from Parthenon Capital, splitting its attest and non-attest services. As part of today's transaction, Cherry Bekaert Advisory will acquire RKE's business advisory, tax and other non-attest services, while Cherry Bekaert will acquire RKE's attest assets. RKE will operate under the Cherry Bekaert brand.
"This acquisition marks an exciting step in our Firm's growth strategy," Cherry Bekaert Advisory CEO Michelle Thompson said in a statement. "RKE's strong presence in Los Angeles and its commitment to client service align perfectly with our values. Together, we will deliver enhanced value to clients by combining RKE's local relationships with Cherry Bekaert's national scale and expanding our reach in the Western United States."
Cherry Bekaert, based in Raleigh, North Carolina, ranked No. 20 on Accounting Today's 2025 Top 100 Firms list. It reported $660 million in revenue, with 183 partners and over 1,800 employees across 47 offices.
"Joining Cherry Bekaert opens new doors for our clients and team," Christian Emerson, managing partner at RKE, said in a statement. "This strategic partnership gives our clients access to broader resources — from specialized advisory to advanced technology — while continuing to work with the valued RKE professionals they know and trust. We're excited to deliver an expanded suite of services with the same quality and care our clients have come to expect from RKE."
RKE was one of Accounting Today's 2025 Regional Leaders in the West, with $40.3 million in revenue, 17 partners and 125 employees.
