Two more accounting and advisory firms on the market-leading Ascend platform today announced that they completed mergers.
Lucas Horsfall (“LH”) of Pasadena, CA, integrated Gettleson, Witzer & O’Connor (“GWO”) of Encino, CA. Wilson Lewis (“WL”) of Atlanta, GA, merged in Alexander, Almand & Bangs (“AAB”) of Gainesville, GA.
The transactions are the latest evidence of the continued growth driven by Ascend’s modern platform for regional accounting and advisory firms. Ascend is a strategic partner for regional accounting leaders, backed by private equity firm Alpine Investors.
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“In the years since they joined Ascend, Lucas Horsfall and Wilson Lewis and have built upon their reputations as premier destinations for talent in the Los Angeles and greater Atlanta markets. Both leadership teams had a goal to build a middle-market firm of consequence, without compromising excellence in culture and client service. Lucas Horsfall’s combination with GWO provides a Family Services offering that has created financial peace of mind for entertainment families in the Valley for generations, and has engendered fierce loyalty and a sterling reputation in doing so. Wilson Lewis’s acquisition of AAB provides a foothold in Gainesville, anchored by a young partner group who share that high bar. It is fun to work in service of our firm’s goals,” said Nishaad (Nish) Ruparel, President of Ascend.
Mike Amerio, CEO of Lucas Horsfall, said, “GWO and LH share a common commitment to excellence. By uniting our strengths, we can deliver wide-ranging expertise, greater scale, and a more innovative approach, ultimately bringing more value to the clients and communities we serve.”
Gettleson, Witzer & O’Connor is a Family Services and Business Management practice founded in 2000. In addition to partners Randal O’Connor and Seth Gettleson, GWO brings 44 staff to Lucas Horsfall. The award-winning firm has been recognized on Variety’s Business Managers Elite and as a Top Business Manager by the Hollywood Reporter.
Josh Crisp, CEO of Wilson Lewis, said, “We could not be more excited to welcome John Alexander, Andy Bangs, Rachel Byers-Miller, Bryan St. Pierre, and their entire team to Wilson Lewis. Their commitment to service and strong roots in the Gainesville community make this an ideal partnership that will only improve our collective client-centric approach. By bringing our firms together, we’re strengthening our capabilities, expanding opportunities for our employees, and building on our commitment to improving the client experience. Our combined team will benefit from a broader support system, shared best practices, and a stronger platform for career development—making Wilson Lewis an even better place to build a career.”
Founded in 1971, Alexander, Almand & Bangs brings over 50 years of experience and a deeply loyal client base to Wilson Lewis. The firm adds four partners and 13 staff members to the Wilson Lewis team.
The Ascend platform enables regional accounting firms with between $15 and $50 million of revenue, committed leadership, great cultures, and a big vision for the future to remain independent while accessing the sophisticated resources of a national firm to reach their full potential. Ascend platform firms are currently operating in more than a dozen states nationwide.
Ascend’s Founder & CEO, David Wurtzbacher, launched the platform in January 2023 as an alternative for strong regional accounting firms seeking a modern solution to the challenges embedded in the traditional partnership structure. The appeal of Ascend’s solution immediately propelled the company into the upper tier of the accounting industry, establishing it as an Accounting Today Top 30 firm in under two years and Mr. Wurtzbacher as one of the “Top 100 Most Influential People in Accounting” in each of the last three years.
Terms of the deals were not disclosed.
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Tags: Firm Management
