insights for cpa firms

As consolidation continues to reshape the accounting profession, the $5–10 million revenue tier has emerged as a critical inflection point. Once considered a transitional phase between small and large firm status, this segment is now recognized as a strategic stronghold — both for firms seeking sustainable independence and for those positioning themselves as attractive acquisition targets. For the Winter 2026 issue of VSCPA's Disclosures magazine, Ira Rosenbloom stresses the

2025 was an ultra-active year for CPA firm M&A—with PE playing an ever-expanding role. What we’ve learned from years of strategic advising and facilitating transactions is that there are aspects of deal-making that stay consistent; others reflect the times we live in. Here are 5 takeaways from 2025 that will be important to apply in 2026: Employee retention is critical. Acquirers of all sizes and types are focused on staff levels and leadership skills. Few acquirers have the

All signs point to another banner year for M&A activity. For firms looking to acquire another firm in 2026, success can come from using tax season to gauge opportunities and get your team ready. Even if you currently aren’t thinking about a deal, using tax season to optimize your practice is smart business. As you set the stage for the year ahead, here are five steps that are sure to deliver meaningful benefits. Pressure Test Infrastructure. Delegation and efficiencies are c

When the Right Match Matters For years, consolidation headlines have focused on sellers – firms absorbed by private equity platforms or mega-regionals. In 2026, the more important story may belong to the other side of the table: the buyers. And 2026 may be the first time $5-$10M firms have a sustained advantage as buyers. In a recent article for IPA Insider, Ira Rosenbloom put together a practical playbook that includes compelling reasons to acquire and how to position your f

Stephano Slack LLC Expands Regional Footprint with the Mergers of Boyer & Boyer CPA and Kimmel, Lorah & Associates, LLP Stephano Slack LLC, a premier regional accounting and advisory firm announced two strategic mergers that will strengthen the firm’s presence across Delaware and Greater Philadelphia. Boyer & Boyer CPA has officially joined the firm, and Kimmel, Lorah & Associates, LLP (KLA) will join effective January 1, 2025. Optimum Strategies’ Chief Operating Executive Ir

M&A is a strategic lever for CPA firms to grow, secure succession, and sharpen market positioning. Yet today’s buyers and sellers are looking beyond geographic strengthening; special service offerings, niche expertise, firm size, and reputational strength are often more important. In the Winter 2025 issue of Pennsylvania CPA Journal, Optimum Strategies' Ira Rosenbloom offers his expertise and insights for buyers and sellers on how to position themselves more effectively and i

Regional accounting and advisory firm HBK CPAs & Consultants announced that McLean, Koehler, Sparks & Hammond (MKS&H), a Maryland-based accounting firm, is joining HBK effective December 1, 2025. The acquisition establishes HBK's first presence in Maryland. Ira Rosenbloom of Optimum Strategies advised both firms on the transaction. For more information, read: Press release on HBK's website Baltimore Business Journal (login required) Philadelphia Business Journal (login requi

The level of success of tax season can make or break the financial position of CPA firms and can be extremely influential on the terms and negotiations of a possible post-tax season merger or sale of a firm. Many firms will enter tax season knowing they want to get a deal done and others will emerge from tax season realizing that a deal is the right answer. Whether you are currently deal-minded or not, putting tax season to your best advantage is a very smart business move. A