Aprio said Sept. 19 that it’s acquiring Mize CPAs, a Topeka, KS-based accounting and advisory firm for entrepreneurs and McDonald’s owner/operators, along with its affiliated wealth management firm, Prism Financial Group, in a deal expected to close on Nov. 1.
Financial terms of the deal weren’t disclosed. Upon closing, Aprio gains offices in Topeka and Overland Park, KS, as well as 20 partners and more than 300 professionals.
“With this addition, Aprio is accelerating its Midwest expansion and growing its regional team to more than 450 professionals, less than a year after entering the market,” the Atlanta-based top 25 accounting firm said in a media release. “With three Chicago metro offices established earlier this year, Aprio is rapidly building a meaningful presence in the region. The firm plans to scale to 1,000 professionals over the next three years, reinforcing its commitment to growth and leadership in the Midwest.”
Aprio has been on a buying spree since receiving private equity backing from Boston-based investment firm Charlesbank Capital Partners more than a year ago. In addition to recently expanding in the Boston area, Aprio has recently grown its footprint in key markets, including the greater New York metro area, Washington, D.C., Chicago, Austin, Denver, Baltimore, and in California.
Aprio also recently acquired TimeCredit, a 2024 AICPA and CPA.com Startup Accelerator company located in Boston, as part of a five-year, $300 million commitment in artificial intelligence and automation that the accounting firm is making, with the goal of building “a scalable, AI-enabled firm that delivers measurable value for clients and team members alike.”
In addition, the firm announced in February that it’s combining with Scottsdale, AZ-based boutique business law firm Radix Law to form the Arizona law firm Aprio Legal, which provides clients with comprehensive legal counsel across estate planning, bankruptcy, commercial litigation, real estate, and business law.
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“With the powerful addition of Mize and Prism, we will continue to deliver best-in-class service and transformative value to franchisees and business owners across the Midwest and beyond,” Aprio CEO Richard Kopelman said in a statement. “It’s exciting to bring together firms that share our culture and vision for building the professional services firm of the future while fulfilling our commitment to help our clients and team members achieve their boldest ambitions. We are honored to welcome Mize and Prism, two highly admired firms, to Aprio.”
Founded in 1956, Mize CPAs is known for being the largest accounting and payroll services provider to McDonald’s owner/operators and delivering payroll, tax, and tech-driven business solutions to franchisees and businesses nationwide. Mize also brings vast experience in the construction, manufacturing and distribution, and auto dealership industries.
The combined Quick Serve Restaurant and Franchise team will help franchise owners “unlock new opportunities and achieve their boldest goals,” Aprio said.
Mize affiliate, Prism Financial Group, is a wealth management firm based in Kansas, providing comprehensive financial planning and investment advice to high-net-worth individuals, business owners, and franchisees across 42 states and managing $1.8 billion in assets. Prism will join Aprio Wealth Management, Aprio’s registered investment advisor, providing fiduciary-based financial planning and investment management services that complement the firm’s broader tax, legal, and advisory capabilities. With the addition of Prism, Aprio Wealth Management will reach $5 billion in assets under management.
As part of the transaction, James Hilbert, managing partner at Mize, and Tim Shmidl, managing partner at Prism Financial Group, will join Aprio as partners. In a newly created role, Mize shareholder Bryan Phillips will now serve as Aprio’s McDonald’s owner/operator market leader, bringing decades of specialized experience supporting franchisees nationwide.
“Our proudest moments come from helping clients achieve their goals and unlock new growth. As part of Aprio, we will deliver an unprecedented level of support and resources,” Hilbert said. “We’re also excited about the limitless potential this creates for our team members to grow and thrive. Together, we’re committed to delivering the guidance, technology, and personal attention that drive real results.”
Allan Koltin, CEO of Koltin Consulting Group, who advised all parties on the transaction, said, “The combination of Aprio, Mize, and Prism creates a powerhouse in the Midwest, blending unmatched capabilities in serving franchisees, high-net-worth individuals, and entrepreneurs. The synergies between these firms are extraordinary, uniting deep industry knowledge and a shared commitment to client success. Together, they are set to dominate the region, offering comprehensive support and opportunities that raise the bar for clients and talent alike.”
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