Ascend has announced the appointment of Maureen Churgovich Dillmore as its new Vice President of Partnerships. With a strong background in accounting firm networks, including leadership roles at PrimeGlobal and DFK International/USA, Dillmore will focus on expanding Ascend’s partnership network for mid-sized accounting firms.

Ascend, a strategic partner for regional accounting and advisory firms backed by private equity firm Alpine Investors, today announced its entry into Wyoming with the addition of Cheyenne-based McGee, Hearne & Paiz (MHP) as its newest platform firm.

San Jose, CA – PP&Co, a leading provider of accounting, tax, and advisory services, has announced that Delucchi Hawn, LLP has officially joined the firm, effective December 1, 2024. This strategic merger unites two regional leaders known for their client-centric approach and commitment to service excellence.

ATKG Advisors and SPR P.C. have merged, creating the largest homegrown accounting and advisory firm in South Texas. With a combined team of 150 professionals and 15 partners, the firm remains committed to its people-first culture while expanding its capabilities to better serve clients across the region.

Ascend welcomes Lucas Horsfall to its platform, expanding its national footprint with the addition of 15 partners and 125 professionals. This partnership will provide LH with the resources and technology needed to accelerate growth and navigate the evolving accounting landscape.

Ascend, backed by Alpine Investors, acquired LevitZacks' San Diego advisory practice. Non-attest services will be handled by LevitZacks Corporation under Ascend, while attest services remain with a separate CPA firm. The partnership brings 9 partners and 51 staff to Ascend, fostering growth while maintaining independence.

Aaron Dawson, inspired by his family's CPA legacy, started as a tax manager at Clark Nuber in Seattle and served on the Washington State Society of CPAs Board. Later, he and his wife, Jen, acquired Opsahl, Shepp and Company from his mentor, George Opsahl.

Ascend's first Partner Summit in San Antonio brought together leaders from partner firms across the country to celebrate their shared vision of growth, independence, and a PeopleFirst culture, solidifying Ascend's platform as a new model for the accounting industry.

Ascend announced its ninth partnership of 2023, acquiring the tax and consulting business of Atlanta-based Wilson Lewis, marking its first expansion into the Southeast and pushing its revenue above $100 million.

Goering & Granatino of Overland Park, Kansas, has received an investment from Ascend, marking its eighth acquisition and expanding Ascend’s footprint into the Midwest with 40 new professionals joining its platform.

Ascend has acquired Sentient Solutions for Accounting, an offshore provider with offices in India and Mexico, to serve as a dedicated resource for its high-growth partner firms. Sentient offers outsourced tax, assurance, and client accounting services, and develops AI tools to enhance CPA efficiency.

Ascend’s new private equity-backed platform is transforming regional accounting firms like LMC by allowing leaders to focus on growth and client relationships, rather than administrative tasks, while maintaining firm independence.

On June 30, 2023, Alpine Investors, Ascend's parent company, successfully closed Fund IX, raising $4.5 billion in capital commitments, nearly doubling the size of its previous fund.