Top 20 accounting firm Citrin Cooperman is expanding its presence in the Midwest by acquiring Ostrow Reisin Berk & Abrams, a Chicago-based accounting and advisory firm with offices in downtown Chicago, Oak Brook, IL, and Salt Lake City.
Financial terms of the deal, which is expected to close in October, weren’t disclosed. ORBA joins Citrin Cooperman with 15 partners and more than 150 professionals.
New York City-based Citrin Cooperman has been one of the most active accounting firms making M&A deals in recent years, completed more than 30 acquisitions since 2019, many of them after receiving private equity backing in 2022.
Recommended Articles
Mergers and Acquisitions November 11, 2025
Citrin Cooperman Brings Aboard KBFM in Nashville
Mergers and Acquisitions February 18, 2025
Citrin Cooperman Acquires HW&Co. in Ohio
Alan Badey, CEO of Citrin Cooperman Advisors, said the acquisition of ORBA “is a landmark milestone in Citrin Cooperman’s continued growth.”
“ORBA has an outstanding reputation built on decades of excellence, a deep group of talented professionals with trusted client relationships, and a culture that mirrors our own,” he said in a statement. “Together, we are creating a powerful Midwest region that expands opportunities for our people and our clients.”
Founded in 1977, ORBA provides tax, accounting, and advisory services to entrepreneurs, privately held companies, nonprofit organizations, and high-net-worth individuals.
“Joining Citrin Cooperman marks an exciting new chapter for ORBA,” said the firm’s CEO Joseph Odzer. “We are proud of the firm we’ve built over nearly five decades, and this combination allows us to honor that legacy while unlocking new opportunities. Our clients will continue to receive the high-touch, personalized service they trust, with the added benefit of Citrin Cooperman’s expansive expertise and resources. Our professionals will have tremendous opportunities for career success in a culture so closely aligned with what ORBA has established.”
Allan Koltin, CEO of Koltin Consulting Group, who advised both firms on the transaction, said in an emailed statement to CPA Practice Advisor, “With their combination with ORBA (and Shepard Schwartz & Harris in 2022), Citrin Cooperman is now a top 15 CPA and advisory firm in Chicago with revenues over $750 million. Citrin Cooperman has done an amazing job of combining with highly entrepreneurial and ‘best in class’ firms nationally since combining with their (strategic and capital) private equity partners (New Mountain Capital in 2021 and then Blackstone in 2025).
“ORBA is one of Chicago’s ‘marque’ CPA firms and specializes in owner operated/privately held businesses, nonprofits, and high-net-worth individuals and was sought after by many suitors,” he continued. “They are blessed to have great leadership in Joe Odzer and have a great stable of young and talented partners and associates.”
As is typical for firms that operate in alternative practice structures, the transaction will consist of Citrin Cooperman Advisors LLC acquiring certain non-attest assets and Citrin Cooperman & Co. LLP acquiring certain attest assets of ORBA.
Thanks for reading CPA Practice Advisor!
Subscribe Already registered? Log In
Need more information? Read the FAQs
