November 2024 – In a significant move that underscores its strategic growth trajectory, Aprio, a Top 25 accounting and advisory firm based in Atlanta, has acquired Kirsch Kohn Bridge (KKB), a Woodland Hills, California-based firm. The deal, effective November 1, represents Aprio’s latest expansion, marking its first footprint in Southern California and further strengthening its presence on the West Coast.
Expanding Expertise and Reach
The acquisition of KKB adds five partners and 31 professionals to Aprio’s ranks, bolstering its existing California offices in San Francisco and Walnut Creek. With $420.79 million in annual revenue, 210 partners, and 1,851 professionals, Aprio is leveraging this strategic merger to enhance its services in industries such as construction, real estate, professional services, retail, and manufacturing.
Aprio CEO Richard Kopelman emphasized the importance of the deal in a statement:
“Continuing to build out our presence across the West Coast is an important part of our growth strategy, and KKB is the right partner to launch our first location in Southern California. Together, we will bring even more robust insights, perspectives, and solutions to our clients to help them propel forward.”
KKB Managing Partner Carisa Ferrer echoed this sentiment, expressing enthusiasm for the future:
“As we move forward with our combined knowledge, we will accelerate our ability to leverage innovative talent, business processes, cutting-edge technologies, and advanced solutions to help our clients with even greater precision and care.”
A Legacy of Growth
KKB brings with it a 60-year history of serving clients with accounting, tax, and business advisory services, building a reputation for navigating complex challenges with precision. For Aprio, the acquisition adds to a robust track record of 20 mergers and acquisitions since 2017, including high-profile additions such as Ridout Barrett & Co. CPAs & Advisors, Antares Group, and Aronson.
Aprio’s growth has also been fueled by its private equity partnership with Charlesbank Capital Partners, secured in July 2024, which provides the firm with additional resources to scale and innovate.
Implications for the Valuation Profession
The acquisition highlights several trends relevant to valuation professionals:
- Industry-Specific Opportunities: Aprio’s focus on sectors like construction, real estate, and manufacturing signals the increasing demand for specialized valuation expertise in these industries.
- Private Equity Influence: The role of private equity in enabling M&A activities within professional services underscores the importance of valuation practitioners in supporting such transactions.
- Geographic Expansion: As firms like Aprio extend their reach, valuation professionals must be prepared to navigate regional nuances, particularly in high-demand markets like California.
Looking Ahead
Aprio’s acquisition of Kirsch Kohn Bridge is more than just a merger—it’s a testament to the firm’s commitment to growth, innovation, and client service. For valuation professionals, this development signals a continued trend of consolidation and expansion within the accounting and advisory space, creating opportunities to support M&A activities, enhance specialization, and adapt to the evolving demands of the industry.
