US-based accounting and advisory firm Smith + Howard has acquired domestic peer Smith Kesler & Co (SKC), which focuses on offering accounting services for the construction sector.
Financial details of the deal remain confidential.
The acquisition allows Smith + Howard to expand its client base into North Carolina and South Carolina.
Founded in 1974, SKC offers tax, accounting, audit, consulting, payroll, bookkeeping and litigation support services, particularly within the construction industry.
SKC has four offices across North Carolina and South Carolina and more than 30 employees, who will join the Atlanta, US-based firm.
Smith + Howard CEO Sean Taylor said: “We are thrilled to welcome the talented professionals at Smith Kesler & Co. to Smith + Howard.
“Their outstanding reputation, high-calibre client portfolio, and deep industry expertise provide a strategic advantage in our ability to serve clients. Expanding into the Carolinas allows us to introduce Smith + Howard’s world-class advisory services in a region that is central to our long-term growth strategy.”
This acquisition is the firm’s fifth in the last 16 months and forms part of its strategic growth plan.
SKC will adopt the Smith + Howard brand name, with its managing stockholder Steve Hinds moving to the acquiring firm as a partner, managing regional operations.
Hinds said: “As we looked to the future, we saw an opportunity to expand our reach and support construction businesses beyond the Carolinas. To achieve this, we sought a partnership with a larger firm that could offer enhanced resources for our clients and greater opportunities for our team.
“Equally important was finding a partner whose values and culture aligned with ours. From our first conversations, it was clear that Smith + Howard was the perfect fit, exceeding our expectations in every way.”
In November 2024, the firm appointed Shaun Potter as principal, System and Organization Controls (SOC) Audit within the Accounting and Advisory Group.
