“We are pumped about the win-win benefits that Antares Group and Aprio amplify as a combined entity, which will solidify Aprio’s position as a national leader in the restaurant, franchise, and hospitality industry,” Aprio CEO and Managing Partner Richard Kopelman said in a press release on Oct. 11. “The combination furthers our ability to deliver business advisory, accounting, tax planning, complex audit services, and more during the entire lifecycle of a business.”

Dana Zukofsky, leader of Aprio’s National Restaurant Franchise and Hospitality practice, added, “The joining of Antares Group and Aprio directly aligns to our segment go-to-market approach, which will significantly enhance our ability to serve existing and prospective clients in the evolving restaurant and franchise industry. In support of Aprio’s focus on supporting women in business, of the eight partners joining us, six are women, so it’s exciting to have talented female leadership joining Aprio as well.” 

Founded in 1984, Antares Group is recognized as a nationwide leader in the restaurant franchise industry, including 1,600-plus owner-operated McDonald’s restaurants and other quick-service and fast-casual dining clients in more than 40 states. The firm specializes in providing clients with business, cloud accounting, and personal wealth services.

The combination will more than double the size of Aprio’s restaurant, franchise, and hospitality industry team.

“Joining Aprio will provide access to a wide offering of expertise in new services and enhance our ability to help our clients meet their business objectives and maintain a competitive advantage,” said Antares Group Managing Partner Mark Kashgegian. “The combination of our firms represents a unique opportunity to facilitate our continued growth in the restaurant and franchise industry. This also represents a tremendous opportunity for members of our team to advance their professional growth and continue to build meaningful careers as part of a larger firm.”