Top 75 accounting firm Smith + Howard is expanding its presence in the Southeast by acquiring Hagler & Brocato, a CPA firm headquartered in Hoover, AL, and Byrne|Zizzi, an accounting and advisory firm based in Tupelo, MS.
Financial terms of both deals weren’t disclosed.
The acquisitions represent the firm’s fourth and fifth strategic additions in 2026, which includes deals with Bauknight Pietras & Stormer, an INSIDE Public Accounting top 300 firm based in Columbia, SC, in January and Geels Norton, a boutique cyber, risk audit, and advisory firm, in February.
This past June, Smith + Howard announced that TPG, a global alternative asset management firm, signed a definitive agreement to make a sizeable investment in the Atlanta-based accounting firm, which received an initial private equity investment from Broad Sky Partners in 2022. Since 2022, Smith + Howard has completed 11 M&A deals.
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The latest acquisitions strengthen Smith + Howard’s existing presence in Alabama while establishing a footprint in Mississippi.
“These acquisitions build on the momentum of welcoming TPG Growth as our strategic partner and reflect our commitment to building a leading national firm through partnerships with exceptional regional businesses,” Sean Taylor, CEO of Smith + Howard, said in a statement on Nov. 10. “Hagler & Brocato and Byrne|Zizzi bring outstanding talent, trusted client relationships, and deep local expertise. With TPG Growth’s support, we’re accelerating our expansion while investing in the people, technology, and capabilities that will drive long-term value for our clients.”
Founded in 2005, Hagler & Brocato serves businesses and individuals throughout the greater Birmingham area and beyond. The firm provides accounting, tax planning and preparation, bookkeeping, payroll, and business consulting services, with specialized experience serving the construction, real estate, dental, professional services, and nonprofit sectors.
The acquisition builds on Smith + Howard’s existing Alabama presence, established through its September 2025 acquisition of Birmingham-based Horton, Lee & Burnett.
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“Joining Smith + Howard represents an exciting opportunity for our clients and our team,” Charles “Clay” Hagler, founder of Hagler & Brocato, said in a statement. “We’ve built our reputation on providing personalized service and trusted guidance. This partnership allows us to preserve those relationships while giving our clients access to a much broader range of resources, specialized expertise, and advisory capabilities.”
Founded in 1961, Byrne|Zizzi provides tax planning and compliance, client accounting and advisory services, business consulting, and business valuation. The women-led firm has offices in Tupelo, Aberdeen, Houston, and Oxford in Mississippi.
“Our clients and our people were at the center of this decision,” Emily Zizzi, CEO and president of Byrne|Zizzi, said in a statement. “We have built relationships that mean a great deal to me, and choosing the right firm to join was personal. Smith + Howard gives our clients access to expertise and services we have wanted to offer, and gives our team more opportunities to learn, grow, and build their careers. I’m excited about what we can do together. The people our clients know and trust are coming with us.”
Photo credit: Smith + Howard
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