Julia Chirkova
Cherry Bekaert, a prominent Top 20 accounting firm, has announced its strategic acquisition of Sansiveri, Kimball & Co., a well-established accounting and advisory firm based in Providence, Rhode Island. This significant move marks a key expansion for Cherry Bekaert into the vital New England market, integrating Sansiveri’s extensive client base and experienced professionals into its growing national network. The financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed by either firm.
The integration will bring more than 60 dedicated professionals from Sansiveri into the Cherry Bekaert fold, significantly bolstering the firm’s capabilities and regional footprint. This acquisition is the fourth strategic merger and acquisition (M&A) deal for Cherry Bekaert in the current year, underscoring its aggressive growth strategy. Earlier in 2026, Cherry Bekaert successfully integrated Washington D.C.-based Tarsus in January, followed by Torrance, California-based Richardson Kontogouris Emerson in February, and Houston-based Calvetti Ferguson in June. These consistent M&A activities signal a clear intent by Cherry Bekaert to broaden its service offerings and geographic reach across the United States.
Cherry Bekaert’s recent strategic maneuvers are further contextualized by its transition to an alternative practice structure. This shift was facilitated by securing private equity funding from Parthenon Capital in 2022. This investment has clearly empowered the firm to pursue ambitious growth initiatives, including a series of strategic acquisitions designed to enhance its service delivery and market penetration. The acquisition of Sansiveri is a direct manifestation of this strategy, aiming to leverage the strengths of both entities to create a more robust and comprehensive service provider.
The acquisition will be structured to align with Cherry Bekaert’s operational framework. Specifically, Cherry Bekaert Advisory LLC will acquire Sansiveri’s non-attest assets, encompassing a wide range of advisory and consulting services. Concurrently, Cherry Bekaert LLP will absorb Sansiveri’s attest assets, which include audit and assurance services. This dual acquisition approach ensures that all facets of Sansiveri’s business are seamlessly integrated into the appropriate branches of Cherry Bekaert, maintaining specialized expertise within each area.
Strategic Growth in Key Markets
Cherry Bekaert has explicitly stated that this acquisition is designed to significantly expand its presence and capabilities within critical New England markets. The firm views Rhode Island and the broader New England region as strategically important for its long-term growth objectives, recognizing the robust economic landscape and the demand for high-quality accounting and advisory services.
Michelle Thompson, CEO of Cherry Bekaert Advisory, articulated the strategic rationale behind the move in a statement released on November 2nd. "This acquisition reflects our commitment to strategic growth through partnerships with firms that share our values, culture, and client-first mindset," Thompson stated. She further emphasized Sansiveri’s established reputation, noting, "Sansiveri has built an outstanding reputation based on trusted relationships and exceptional service. Together, we are strengthening our position in New England, expanding opportunities for our people, and enhancing our ability to deliver the industry-focused solutions and advisory capabilities our clients need to succeed." This statement highlights a dual focus on market expansion and internal development, aiming to benefit both clients and employees.
A Legacy of Service and Expertise
Founded in 1975, Sansiveri, Kimball & Co. brings to Cherry Bekaert a rich history of providing a comprehensive suite of services. These include audit, accounting, tax, forensic accounting, business valuation, financial management, strategic planning, and general business counsel. The firm has cultivated particular expertise in serving clients across several key industry sectors: construction, real estate, manufacturing, non-profit organizations, healthcare, and professional services. This specialization aligns well with Cherry Bekaert’s own industry-focused approach, suggesting a strong synergy in client service offerings.
The integration of Sansiveri’s deep industry knowledge and established client relationships is expected to significantly enhance Cherry Bekaert’s ability to cater to the nuanced needs of businesses operating within these sectors in the New England region. This includes providing sophisticated tax strategies, robust audit and assurance services, and forward-thinking advisory solutions tailored to the unique challenges and opportunities present in these industries.
A Natural Fit: Shared Values and Vision
Jason DaPonte, managing partner of Sansiveri, echoed Thompson’s sentiment, framing the acquisition as a positive development for both Sansiveri’s clients and its staff. "Joining Cherry Bekaert creates exciting opportunities for our clients and our people," DaPonte remarked in a statement. "We were seeking a partner that shares our commitment to relationships, service excellence, and client success. Cherry Bekaert’s culture, values, and vision for growth align closely with our own, making this a natural fit." He further elaborated on the benefits, stating, "Together, we will be able to provide broader resources and capabilities while preserving the client experience and culture that have always been central to who we are."
This emphasis on cultural alignment and shared values is crucial in M&A transactions within the professional services sector. The success of such integrations often hinges on the ability of the merging entities to maintain a cohesive operational philosophy and client-centric approach. Sansiveri’s long-standing commitment to client relationships and service excellence appears to have found a compatible partner in Cherry Bekaert, suggesting a smoother transition and a stronger combined entity.
Cherry Bekaert’s Growth Trajectory and Market Position
Cherry Bekaert’s aggressive M&A strategy is indicative of broader trends within the accounting and advisory industry. Firms are increasingly looking to scale their operations, expand their service lines, and gain a competitive edge through strategic combinations. The firm’s positioning as a Top 20 accounting firm in the United States provides a strong foundation for these growth ambitions. The acquisition of Sansiveri not only adds to its headcount and revenue but also enhances its market share and brand recognition in a strategically important geographic area.
The firm’s recent adoption of an alternative practice structure, enabled by private equity investment, is a significant enabler of this growth. This structure allows for greater flexibility in capital allocation and strategic decision-making, facilitating the pursuit of larger and more transformative acquisitions. The funding from Parthenon Capital has provided Cherry Bekaert with the financial resources to execute its expansion plans effectively, positioning it to compete more aggressively with larger national and international firms.
Broader Implications for the New England Market
The integration of Sansiveri into Cherry Bekaert is poised to have several implications for the accounting and advisory landscape in New England. Firstly, it will introduce a larger, more resource-rich firm into a market that traditionally has been served by a mix of regional players and national firms. This could lead to increased competition, potentially benefiting clients through enhanced service offerings and competitive pricing.
Secondly, the move signifies the continued consolidation trend within the accounting industry. As firms like Cherry Bekaert grow through acquisition, smaller and mid-sized firms may face increased pressure to either merge or specialize further to remain competitive. This consolidation can lead to greater access to specialized expertise and technology for clients of larger firms.
Furthermore, the expansion of Cherry Bekaert into New England could create new career opportunities for accounting and advisory professionals in the region. The firm’s commitment to expanding opportunities for its people, as stated by CEO Michelle Thompson, suggests that the integration will focus on talent development and retention, potentially attracting new talent to the combined entity.
The inclusion of Sansiveri’s expertise in sectors like construction, real estate, and healthcare is particularly relevant to the New England economy, which has significant activity in these areas. Cherry Bekaert’s enhanced capabilities in these specialized fields could provide critical support to businesses navigating complex regulatory environments, market fluctuations, and growth challenges.
Looking Ahead: Synergies and Future Growth
The successful integration of Sansiveri, Kimball & Co. into Cherry Bekaert is expected to yield significant synergies. By combining Sansiveri’s deep local market knowledge and client relationships with Cherry Bekaert’s broader national resources, specialized service lines, and technological capabilities, the merged entity will be well-positioned to serve a wider array of client needs.
The firm’s stated intention to preserve the client experience and culture that have been central to Sansiveri’s identity is a critical factor for successful integration. Maintaining strong client relationships is paramount in the professional services sector, and this focus suggests a thoughtful approach to the transition.
As Cherry Bekaert continues its strategic expansion, this acquisition represents a significant step forward in solidifying its position as a leading national accounting and advisory firm with a robust presence across key regional markets. The year 2026 has been marked by substantial M&A activity for Cherry Bekaert, and the integration of Sansiveri is poised to be a cornerstone of its ongoing growth narrative, promising enhanced value and expanded capabilities for its growing client base.
The photo provided, featuring Michelle Thompson, CEO of Cherry Bekaert Advisory, underscores the leadership driving these strategic initiatives. Her statement reflects a clear vision for growth, client service, and the professional development of the firm’s employees. The acquisition of Sansiveri is more than just a business transaction; it is a strategic alignment of expertise, values, and ambition, aimed at creating a stronger, more comprehensive service provider for businesses across New England and beyond.
