Top 30 accounting firm Aprio has expanded into the Chicago market after acquiring CPA firm KRD Ltd., which has offices in Chicago and Schaumburg, IL, as well as Burkett & Beattie, a CPA firm based in Libertyville, IL.
Financial terms of both deals weren’t disclosed.
“We are pleased to expand our footprint into the greater Chicago area and tap into one of the country’s fastest-growing business hubs,” Aprio CEO Richard Kopelman said in a statement. “KRD and Burkett & Beattie have a proven track record as trusted business advisors across the Midwest. This strategic alignment underscores our commitment to investing in and scaling our business for the advancement of our valued clients and team members.”
KRD provides financial, wealth planning, assurance, tax, consulting, and outsourced accounting services for high-net-worth families, businesses, and other organizations. The firm is led by Managing Partner Jon Segal and includes nearly 110 partners and professionals. Segal joins as Aprio’s Midwest regional leader and Chicago and Schaumburg office leader.
“By joining forces with Aprio, we gain access to a broader network of top talent, innovative technologies, and solutions while preserving KRD’s unique qualities and personalized approach that has set us apart in the marketplace,” Segal said. “Over the past four years, Aprio has supported us with a wealth of services and knowledge, enabling us to better serve our clients. Our positive experiences and longstanding relationship with Aprio’s professionals made this the logical next step to strengthen and grow our firm.”
Jeffrey Kapelus, president of Capstone Search Solutions, advised Aprio and KRD on the transaction.
“Aprio’s forward-thinking leadership, breadth of specialized services, and proven growth trajectory set them apart as a trusted advisor. KRD’s alignment with these qualities makes this an ideal match,” Kapelus said. “By establishing a presence in Chicago, Aprio strengthens its capabilities and reinforces its commitment to providing clients with innovative, high-impact solutions tailored to their needs.”
Burkett & Beattie provides full-service accounting and tax services with a concentration in small, growing businesses in a variety of industries, with a particular focus on health clubs, marketing research, and veterinary hospitals. The firm is led by Managing Partners Sandra Burkett and Christopher Beattie, with 10 professionals who have extensive experience with private client, small and emerging businesses, trusts, and individual tax consulting.
“This partnership is not just about expanding Burkett & Beattie’s unique service offerings, but also about growing together with Aprio,” Burkett said.
Beattie added, “Our team will have access to continued career growth, professional development opportunities, and the chance to work with a broader range of clients and industries. We are thrilled to be a part of the Aprio team.”
Russ Best, of Whitman Transition Advisors, served as an advisor on the Burkett & Beattie transaction.
Aprio announced last July that it was receiving private equity backing from Boston-based investment firm Charlesbank Capital Partners. Since then, Aprio acquired Kirsch Kohn & Bridge, a full-service CPA and advisory firm in Woodland Hills, CA, in November, two firms in Denver—Elite Tax & Accounting and Pontiff + Associates—and Bellevue, WA-based cybersecurity firm Securitybricks.
Thanks for reading CPA Practice Advisor!
Subscribe Already registered? Log In
Need more information? Read the FAQs
