Top 100 accounting firm Smith + Howard is making its foray into Alabama by acquiring Horton, Lee, Burnett, Peacock, Cleveland & Grainger, an accounting and consulting firm based in Birmingham.
Financial terms of the deal weren’t disclosed. Following the close of the acquisition, Horton, Lee & Burnett will begin transitioning to the Smith + Howard brand.
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“This acquisition aligns with our strategy to combine organic growth with targeted expansions that add depth to our expertise and geographic reach,” Sean Taylor, CEO of Atlanta-based Smith + Howard, said in a statement. “Horton, Lee & Burnett’s exceptional team, client relationships, and values well-align with ours, and together we’ll be able to provide even greater value to the businesses and individuals we serve.”
Founded in 1967, Horton, Lee & Burnett provides expertise in accounting, auditing, tax, and advisory services. The firm serves a diverse client base, including real estate developers, healthcare providers, manufacturers, nonprofit organizations, and automotive dealerships.
“Joining forces with Smith + Howard is an exciting step for our clients and our team,” said Brian W. Burnett, partner at Horton, Lee & Burnett. “We share a common vision for delivering extraordinary service and practical solutions, and this move opens the door to new opportunities to serve our clients with a broader suite of services while continuing to fuel growth and innovation.”
“With a 60-year operating legacy, the Horton, Lee & Burnett team built an incredible CPA and accounting services practice with a culture rooted in resilience and long-term relationships,” added Neal England, managing director at Founders Advisors and advisor to Horton, Lee & Burnett.
Chris Jenkins, vice president at Founders Advisors, stated, “It was a pleasure working with both organizations, and we look forward to watching the continued success of Smith + Howard.”
This acquisition follows Smith + Howard’s recent launch of two new tax practices: Site Selection + Incentives and State and Local Income Tax Consulting.
Smith + Howard’s continued expansion has been fueled in part by its partnership with Broad Sky Partners, which became the firm’s first external investor in November 2022, supporting its long-term growth strategy.
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