Pevita Pearce
Atlanta-based Aprio, a top 25 accounting firm, has significantly expanded its wealth management capabilities with the acquisition of Garner Asset Management Corp., a fee-only, Securities and Exchange Commission-registered investment adviser based in Plano, Texas. The transaction, effective November 2, marks Aprio’s first standalone wealth management acquisition and further solidifies its strategic growth in the burgeoning Texas market. While financial terms of the deal were not disclosed, this move underscores Aprio’s commitment to providing integrated financial services.
This acquisition positions Aprio Wealth Management to manage over $6.1 billion in assets under advisement as of September 30, 2026. This latest integration follows Aprio’s acquisition of Prism Financial Group in September of the previous year. Prism, an established RIA based in Kansas, was part of a broader deal that also brought accounting and advisory firm Mize CPAs into the Aprio fold. These strategic moves highlight Aprio’s aggressive expansion strategy, particularly within the wealth management sector, which is increasingly seen as a synergistic offering to its core accounting and advisory services.
Strategic Expansion and Market Penetration
The acquisition of Garner Asset Management is a key component of Aprio’s broader growth strategy, which has seen the firm engage in numerous transactions throughout 2026. This marks Aprio’s ninth such transaction of the year, reflecting a dynamic approach to market consolidation and service diversification. Prior to the Garner acquisition, Aprio had already integrated several other firms, including TGRP Solutions, Waldron H. Rand & Co., Isdaner & Co., Delap LLP, Hoffman, Stewart & Schmidt PC, the state and local tax team from TaxOps, CAVU Advisors, and Price Kong. This consistent deal-making activity signals Aprio’s ambition to establish a robust, nationwide presence and a comprehensive suite of financial services.
The integration of Garner Asset Management is particularly significant for Aprio’s presence in the Dallas-Fort Worth metropolitan area. This expansion into one of the nation’s most economically vibrant regions is expected to bolster Aprio Wealth Management’s integrated national platform. This platform is designed to offer clients a seamless experience, combining wealth management with essential accounting, advisory, tax, and legal capabilities. Such an integrated approach aims to provide holistic financial solutions, addressing the multifaceted needs of individuals and businesses.
Garner Asset Management: A Foundation for Growth
Founded in 1998 by Robert Garner, Garner Asset Management has built a strong reputation for serving a diverse clientele, including high-net-worth individuals, retirees and those nearing retirement, holders of concentrated stock positions, and multigenerational families. The firm’s client-centric philosophy and commitment to personalized financial guidance align well with Aprio’s own values.
The acquisition will see Robert Garner join Aprio as a partner, bringing his extensive experience and client relationships to the expanded firm. This leadership integration is crucial for maintaining continuity and ensuring a smooth transition for Garner’s existing clients. His expertise will be instrumental in shaping Aprio’s wealth management strategy in the Texas market.
A Synergistic Approach to Financial Planning
Keith Greenwald, CEO of Aprio Wealth Management, emphasized the shared philosophy between the two firms. "Every client’s financial life evolves, and the advice and resources available to them should evolve with it," Greenwald stated in a press release issued on November 3. "Like Aprio, Robert and his team believe clients are best served when financial planning and accounting work together. As we grow in Texas, our focus remains on understanding what matters most to our clients and creating greater value for them." This statement highlights the core rationale behind the acquisition: a belief that the integration of wealth management and accounting services offers superior value to clients.
Robert Garner echoed this sentiment, expressing his confidence in Aprio as the future home for his firm and its clients. "As I thought about the future of our firm, finding the right home for our clients and our people was incredibly important to me," Garner commented. "Aprio shares our commitment to clients and will bring capabilities and resources that will allow us to do even more for them as their needs evolve." This indicates a strategic decision driven by a desire to enhance client service and expand offerings through access to Aprio’s broader platform and resources.
Aprio’s Growing Footprint in Texas
Aprio’s entry into the Texas market began in December 2023 with its combination with Ridout Barrett & Co. CPAs & Advisors, which has offices in San Antonio and Austin. Since then, the firm has rapidly expanded its presence across the state. The addition of Garner Asset Management further strengthens this footprint, contributing to a team of approximately 150 professionals now operating across Texas, with offices in Austin, Dallas, Houston, and San Antonio. This rapid growth signifies Aprio’s strategic intent to become a dominant player in the Texas financial services landscape.
The sustained investment in Texas reflects the state’s strong economic growth and its appeal to businesses and individuals seeking comprehensive financial solutions. Aprio’s integrated model, combining accounting, tax, and wealth management, is particularly well-suited to the diverse needs of Texas’s thriving economy, which includes a significant concentration of high-net-worth individuals and rapidly growing businesses.
The Broader Impact of Integrated Financial Services
The trend of accounting firms expanding into wealth management is a significant development in the financial services industry. This integration allows firms to offer a more holistic and comprehensive suite of services to their clients, moving beyond traditional tax and audit functions. For clients, this means a single point of contact for managing their financial lives, potentially leading to greater efficiency, better coordination of financial strategies, and enhanced overall financial well-being.
For firms like Aprio, this strategic diversification offers several benefits. It creates new revenue streams, deepens client relationships, and provides a competitive advantage in a crowded market. By leveraging existing client relationships and offering complementary services, accounting firms can capture a larger share of their clients’ financial needs. This approach also allows for the cross-selling of services, fostering a more robust and resilient business model.
The acquisition of Garner Asset Management by Aprio is a clear indicator of this industry trend. It demonstrates Aprio’s commitment to building a comprehensive financial services powerhouse capable of meeting the evolving needs of its clients in an increasingly complex financial world. The firm’s aggressive acquisition strategy and focus on integrating wealth management services suggest a long-term vision of providing unparalleled value and expertise to its growing client base across the nation.
DeVoe & Co., a respected advisory firm in the mergers and acquisitions space, served as the advisor to Garner Asset Management on this transaction, underscoring the strategic importance and professional execution of this significant deal. The successful integration of Garner Asset Management is expected to be a cornerstone in Aprio’s ongoing expansion and its mission to provide clients with a complete spectrum of financial solutions.
