HBK acquires MKS&H

HBK CPAs & Consultants, a Top 50 Firm based in Ohio, has expanded to Maryland by acquiring McLean, Koehler, Sparks & Hammond, effective Dec. 1, 2025.

The deal adds 35 professionals to HBK and gives the firm its first offices in Maryland, located in Timonium and Frederick.

MKS&H was founded over 80 years ago and offers accounting, tax, audit and business consulting services to middle-market clients in industries including construction, real estate, manufacturing, distribution, nonprofit services, international tax and accounting, and deathcare, which represents a new industry specialization for HBK.

HBK, short for Hill, Barth & King, dates back to 1949 and added a wealth management practice in 2001. It ranked No. 50 on Accounting Today's 2025 list of the Top 100 Firms.

Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. MKS&H earned $7.5 million in annual revenue, while HBK had $176 million in revenue. There are four principals and 31 employees at MKS&H who are joining HBK, which already has 70 principals and approximately 800 employees.

"This combination represents an important step forward in our strategic growth initiative and marks HBK's entry into the Maryland market," said HBK managing principal and CEO Thomas Angelo in a statement Monday. "MKS&H shares our commitment to serving clients with integrity and expertise. Their strong reputation in Maryland and specialized industry knowledge will enhance our ability to serve clients across a broader geographic area and bring additional depth to our service offerings."

The deal advances several goals of HBK's strategic plan, including geographic expansion into new markets and enhanced industry expertise. 

"We are excited to join HBK and provide our clients with access to expanded resources and capabilities," said MKS&H managing partner Kathleen Davis in a statement. "HBK's values and approach to client service mirror our own, and this partnership allows us to continue serving our clients with the same dedication they expect while offering enhanced expertise and support."

She and audit principal Wayne Baldwin, tax principal Jennifer Milas, and audit principal Barbara Walker are joining HBK. 

Ira Rosenbloom of Optimum Strategies advised the firms on the deal.

In October, HBK acquired KHS, expanding its geographic footprint into northern New Jersey. In January, it acquired Acuity Human Resources. In 2023, it merged in Zapken & Loeb, a firm in Woodbury, New York. In 2021, it merged in Vertical Solutions, a Pittsburgh-based managed service provider.