Julia Chirkova
Top 50 accounting firm Doeren Mayhew has significantly bolstered its national footprint and service capabilities with the successful completion of two strategic acquisitions in June 2026: Punta Gorda, Florida-based CPA firm McMillan, Whiteman & Associates (MWA) and Houston, Texas-based CPA firm Sowers & Co. These transactions mark Doeren Mayhew’s sixth and seventh M&A deals of the year, underscoring the firm’s aggressive expansion strategy fueled by recent outside capital investment.
The financial terms of both acquisitions remain undisclosed. The integration of MWA became official on June 30, 2026, while the deal with Sowers & Co. was finalized on June 18, 2026, as announced by Doeren Mayhew in separate media releases issued this week. These strategic moves are part of a broader initiative by Doeren Mayhew to enhance its service offerings and geographic reach, particularly in rapidly growing markets.
Strategic Expansion Fueled by Private Equity Investment
Doeren Mayhew’s accelerated M&A activity is directly linked to a significant injection of outside capital received in August 2024. The firm sold a stake to Audax Private Equity, a move that has demonstrably provided the financial resources and strategic impetus to pursue a robust acquisition strategy. This partnership has empowered Doeren Mayhew to expand its operational capacity and service lines through targeted acquisitions across the country.
The recent additions of MWA and Sowers & Co. follow a series of strategic integrations throughout 2026. Prior to these June acquisitions, the firm had already welcomed several new entities into its fold. In January, Doeren Mayhew acquired 1RDG, an advisory firm based in Rochester, New York. This was followed in February by the integration of Dent Moses, a Birmingham, Alabama-based CPA firm, and its affiliate, Impact Technology Group. The momentum continued in March with the acquisition of Berman Hopkins, a significant player in Florida’s accounting landscape and an INSIDE Public Accounting top 300 firm. In May, the firm expanded its presence in South Florida by acquiring Parlade Schaefer Schortz CPAs. Most recently, in June, Doeren Mayhew added Alpharetta, Georgia-based Griffin Global Technologies to its portfolio. This consistent stream of acquisitions highlights a deliberate and well-executed plan to consolidate market share and diversify service offerings.
Strengthening Florida’s Gulf Coast Presence
The acquisition of McMillan, Whiteman & Associates is poised to significantly strengthen Doeren Mayhew’s presence along Florida’s rapidly expanding Gulf Coast. This region is experiencing substantial growth in privately held businesses and an increasing concentration of high-net-worth individuals, presenting a fertile ground for accounting and advisory services. The MWA team will continue to operate from their Punta Gorda office, now under the Doeren Mayhew brand. This integration adds more than 15 seasoned professionals to Doeren Mayhew’s audit and tax practices. Notably, firm leaders Ray Whiteman and Betsy McMillan have transitioned to principal roles within Doeren Mayhew, bringing with them deep market knowledge and established client relationships.
Chad Anschuetz, CEO of Doeren Mayhew Advisors, emphasized the strategic importance of this Florida expansion. "This acquisition represents another important step in our long-term Florida growth strategy, reflecting our focused approach to building a stronger, more connected presence across the state," Anschuetz stated. "We continue to see tremendous opportunity to grow alongside firms that share our commitment to technical excellence, exceptional client service, and long-term relationships. Betsy, Ray, and their talented team bring a strong reputation and deep relationships in the market that will further strengthen our presence along Florida’s southern Gulf Coast and expand the depth of expertise available to clients in the region."
McMillan, Whiteman & Associates, founded in 1985, has cultivated a strong reputation for providing personalized service tailored to closely held businesses, contractors, professional services firms, medical practices, homeowner and condominium associations, and high-net-worth individuals. The firm’s commitment to client-centric service aligns seamlessly with Doeren Mayhew’s core values.
In a joint statement, Whiteman and McMillan articulated their rationale for joining Doeren Mayhew: "As the accounting profession continues to evolve, we recognize the importance of aligning with a firm that offers the resources, innovation, and specialized expertise needed to support our clients for the long term," they commented. "Joining Doeren Mayhew allows us to focus more of our time on client relationships while leveraging the firm’s operational support, technology, and expanded service offerings. We’re excited to provide our clients with access to a broader range of capabilities while continuing to serve them from the community where we’ve built our practice and be part of a firm that’s investing in the future of the profession."
Expanding Houston Expertise and Service Offerings
The acquisition of Sowers & Co. further solidifies Doeren Mayhew’s strategic growth in the vital Houston market. Founded approximately 20 years ago by Jason Sowers, Sowers & Co. has developed a robust practice centered on delivering comprehensive tax, advisory, and accounting support services. The firm has been particularly adept at serving high-net-worth individuals and small to medium-sized businesses within the Houston metropolitan area. Erin Fowler, a key shareholder in Sowers & Co., will also join Doeren Mayhew, bringing her expertise to the firm.
Both Jason Sowers and Erin Fowler have assumed principal roles within Doeren Mayhew’s leadership structure. All employees from Sowers & Co. have transitioned and are now operating out of Doeren Mayhew’s existing Houston office. This integration is expected to enhance the firm’s capacity and specialized knowledge in key areas.
Chris Masters, Houston Managing Principal at Doeren Mayhew Advisors, highlighted the synergy between the two firms. "Our Houston office has gained strong momentum in the market over the past year, and Sowers & Co. aligns well with our continued strategic growth efforts," Masters stated. "Jason and Erin have built a respected tax and accounting practice with strong technical expertise, including an emphasis on estate planning. Their back-office accounting services will also complement our firm nicely."
Jason Sowers expressed his enthusiasm for the integration: "We’re delighted to join Doeren Mayhew and bring added resources to our clients and employees," Sowers remarked. "Our goal was to find the right firm to help us evolve with the industry. Doeren Mayhew’s suite of services enables us to strengthen our client relationships, bring additional technical resources to the table, and further develop our team so they can continue to excel in their careers."
The integration of Sowers & Co. contributes to a significant expansion of Doeren Mayhew’s Houston operations. Over the past 12 months, the firm has successfully integrated five other firms into its Houston office. This collective growth has resulted in a nearly 58% increase in local headcount since June 2025, bringing the total to approximately 220 employees. This expansion in Houston reflects the firm’s commitment to establishing a strong regional hub and offering a comprehensive suite of services to a diverse client base in one of the nation’s largest economic centers.
Broader Implications and Future Outlook
The dual acquisitions in June 2026 underscore Doeren Mayhew’s ambition to become a leading national accounting and advisory firm. By strategically targeting firms in high-growth regions like Florida and key metropolitan areas like Houston, the firm is positioning itself for sustained expansion and increased market share. The integration of MWA and Sowers & Co. not only broadens Doeren Mayhew’s geographic reach but also enhances its specialized service offerings, particularly in areas such as estate planning and back-office accounting support.
The firm’s proactive M&A strategy, bolstered by its partnership with Audax Private Equity, suggests a commitment to ongoing growth. This approach allows Doeren Mayhew to rapidly scale its operations, attract top talent, and offer a more comprehensive range of services to a wider client base. As the accounting profession continues to navigate technological advancements and evolving client needs, firms like Doeren Mayhew that are actively investing in growth and talent are likely to gain a competitive advantage. The successful integration of these recent acquisitions will be a key indicator of the firm’s ability to manage its rapid expansion while maintaining its commitment to technical excellence and exceptional client service. The continued success of this strategy will likely lead to further announcements of acquisitions and partnerships in the coming months and years as Doeren Mayhew solidifies its position as a top-tier national firm.
