Pevita Pearce
Armanino, a prominent accounting and consulting firm ranked among the top 20 nationally, has officially announced its acquisition of MST, a well-established accounting firm with a significant footprint in the Southeast and a presence in New York. This strategic move marks Armanino’s third merger and acquisition of 2026 and represents a substantial enhancement of its operational capacity and service offerings in the southeastern United States, a region experiencing robust economic growth. The financial terms of the transaction have not been publicly disclosed.
The integration of MST, which operates four offices across Georgia (Atlanta, Brunswick, and Duluth) and one in White Plains, New York, significantly expands Armanino’s geographical reach and client base. This acquisition is poised to strengthen Armanino’s position in key markets and enhance its ability to serve a diverse range of clients, from middle-market organizations and family-owned businesses to private foundations.
Strategic Growth and Market Expansion
The acquisition of MST is a testament to Armanino’s ambitious growth strategy, which has been further accelerated by a minority investment secured in October 2024 from Further Global Capital Management. This investment, provided by the New York-based employee-owned private equity firm specializing in financial services, has equipped Armanino with the necessary capital and resources to pursue strategic expansion into new markets, bolster its technological infrastructure, and enhance its overall service delivery capabilities. The addition of MST aligns perfectly with Armanino’s stated objective of expanding its presence in strategically important and growing regions.
Armanino’s CEO, Matt Armanino, emphasized the strategic importance of this latest integration. "MST is an exceptional firm with a strong reputation, talented professionals, and trusted client relationships that have proven the test of time," he stated on March 2nd. "As client needs become more complex, it’s critical that firms have the depth, scale, and specialized expertise to keep pace. MST strengthens our ability to deliver our services with an incredible focus on client outcomes while deepening our presence in one of the fastest-growing regions of the U.S."
MST’s Legacy and Expertise
Founded in 1956, MST brings a rich history and a deep bench of approximately 110 professionals to the Armanino network. The firm has cultivated a strong reputation for providing comprehensive accounting, audit, and advisory services, particularly to middle-market organizations, family-owned businesses, and private foundations across a wide spectrum of industries. This extensive experience and established client trust are expected to be invaluable assets to Armanino as it integrates MST’s operations.
The addition of MST’s professionals not only expands Armanino’s geographical footprint but also enhances its specialized expertise. MST’s core competencies in tax, audit, and advisory services will complement Armanino’s existing offerings, creating a more robust and comprehensive service portfolio for clients. This includes a particular emphasis on areas such as state and local tax (SALT), multistate tax planning, international tax and transfer pricing, valuations, tax credits and incentives, and transaction-related advisory services.
Synergistic Benefits and Enhanced Client Value
The integration is designed to create significant synergistic benefits for both firms and, most importantly, for their clients. MST clients will now gain access to the full breadth of capabilities offered by a national firm, including cutting-edge technology solutions, digital transformation consulting, and a wider array of specialized tax and advisory services. This expanded access is intended to empower MST clients to navigate increasingly intricate regulatory, operational, and transactional landscapes with greater confidence and efficiency.
Crucially, Armanino has stressed that MST clients will continue to work with the same trusted MST teams they have come to rely on. This approach aims to ensure a seamless transition and maintain the high level of personalized service and client relationships that have been the hallmark of MST.
Angela Griner, managing partner of MST, articulated the rationale behind the decision to join forces with Armanino. "Armanino stood out because of its culture, foresight, and a trusted relationship built over decades," she stated. "Our long history of working alongside Armanino through the Moore Global network, combined with their commitment to technology, AI, and modern service delivery, gave us confidence that we can better serve increasingly complex client needs while maintaining the core values of our firm that have defined us since our founding."
Greg Hayes, partner and Gwinnett office leader at MST, echoed this sentiment, highlighting the dual benefits for clients and staff. "This is ultimately about better serving clients and providing our team with best-in-class resources," Hayes commented. "By combining MST’s trusted relationships and regional strength with Armanino’s expanded capabilities, we’re creating an opportunity that allows clients to grow confidently while continuing to work with the advisors they rely on."
A Pattern of Strategic Growth
The acquisition of MST follows Armanino’s earlier strategic moves in 2026, including the integration of Sales Tax Defense and Step Up Consulting in January. These previous acquisitions underscore Armanino’s proactive approach to market consolidation and its commitment to diversifying and strengthening its service lines.
The firm’s association with the Moore Global network, an international association of independent accounting, audit, and advisory firms, has also played a role in its growth trajectory. Both Armanino and MST are members of this network, which likely facilitated initial discussions and fostered a degree of familiarity and trust between the two organizations. This established relationship provided a strong foundation for the current merger, allowing for a smoother integration process.
Broader Implications for the Southeast Market
Armanino’s expansion into the Southeast through the acquisition of MST is a significant development for the regional accounting and advisory landscape. The firm’s enhanced presence is expected to bring a greater level of specialized expertise and advanced technological capabilities to businesses operating in the area. As the Southeast continues to attract investment and foster economic growth, the availability of sophisticated financial and advisory services becomes increasingly crucial for businesses seeking to scale and compete.
The emphasis on technology, including AI and digital transformation consulting, by Armanino, as highlighted by MST’s leadership, signals a forward-thinking approach to client service. This focus is particularly relevant in today’s rapidly evolving business environment, where digital proficiency and data analytics are becoming integral to strategic decision-making and operational efficiency.
By combining MST’s deep regional knowledge and established client relationships with Armanino’s national scale and diverse service offerings, the merged entity is well-positioned to capture a larger share of the market and provide comprehensive support to businesses of all sizes within the Southeast and beyond. This strategic alignment promises to deliver enhanced value and a broader range of solutions to clients, solidifying Armanino’s commitment to client success and continuous growth. The integration is expected to be completed in the coming months, with further details on operational integration to be announced.
