Pevita Pearce
Farmington Hills, MI – Top 30 accounting firm UHY has announced its strategic combination with Adamson & Co., the largest independently owned CPA firm in Corpus Christi, Texas. This significant merger, which closed on September 8, 2026, marks UHY’s seventh acquisition of the year and further solidifies its aggressive expansion strategy, particularly in key growth markets and its commitment to serving the burgeoning middle market.
The financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed. However, the integration will see Adamson & Co.’s managing partners, Austin Adamson, Jennifer Perales, and Trevor Prewett, join UHY, along with the entirety of their firm’s partners and staff. This infusion of talent and regional expertise is expected to significantly enhance UHY’s service offerings in the South Texas region and beyond.
This latest move by UHY is part of a broader trend within the accounting industry, characterized by consolidation and a strategic push for scale to meet the evolving demands of clients. The firm’s consistent M&A activity in 2026, including previous additions of Michigan CFO Associates, RBT CPAs, Larson Tax Partners, CMJ LLP, Manley Garvin, and Anderson, Lower, Whitlow PC, underscores its ambition to build a robust national network. The backing of Boston-based investment firm Summit Partners, secured in late 2024, has clearly provided UHY with the capital and strategic impetus to pursue these ambitious growth initiatives.
Strategic Alignment and Enhanced Service Offerings
UHY leadership emphasized that the addition of Adamson & Co. is a deliberate step to strengthen its ability to serve a diverse clientele, including middle-market businesses, closely held companies, entrepreneurs, and individuals. The combination promises to deliver expanded accounting, tax, advisory, and consulting services, leveraging the combined expertise and resources of both firms.
Steven McCarty, Chairman and CEO of UHY, articulated the firm’s vision in a statement released on September 8th. "We’re building something special at UHY," McCarty stated. "By integrating with like-minded firms that share our values and client focus, we can deliver a next level of service to emerging entrepreneurial and privately owned businesses, many of whom are facing increasing complexity and a growing need for specialized expertise." He further highlighted the alignment with Adamson & Co.’s established reputation: "Adamson & Company has earned an outstanding reputation for putting clients first and delivering exceptional service. Their culture, values, and commitment to quality align closely with UHY’s mission and client base, and we’re excited to welcome them to UHY."
The integration is expected to provide Adamson & Co.’s existing clients with access to a wider array of specialized services that may have previously been beyond their reach. These include business consulting, cybersecurity, transaction advisory, wealth management, and other specialized solutions, all delivered with the same personalized touch they have come to expect.
A Legacy of Service in South Texas
Adamson & Co. brings a rich history and deep regional understanding to the UHY network. Founded by Craig Adamson in 1981, the firm has been a cornerstone of the South Texas business community for over four decades. It has established a strong track record of advising a broad spectrum of clients, including businesses, municipalities, nonprofit organizations, and individuals. The firm’s service portfolio has traditionally encompassed comprehensive auditing, tax planning and compliance, and tailored advisory services designed to address the specific economic drivers and industries prevalent in the South Texas region.
Austin Adamson, one of the managing partners of Adamson & Co., expressed enthusiasm about the future. "A people-driven culture and client centricity have been the foundation of Adamson & Company’s growth for over 40 years," Adamson remarked. "Joining UHY will allow us to maintain the personalized service our clients expect while giving them access to a broader range of capabilities, industry specialists, and national resources." He also acknowledged the benefits for his team: "Just as importantly, our team gains access to new professional development opportunities and a larger platform for continued growth."
This sentiment underscores a common motivation in such mergers: the desire to offer enhanced opportunities for employees while simultaneously expanding the firm’s capacity to serve clients effectively. The synergy between Adamson & Co.’s established local presence and UHY’s national reach is a key driver of this combination.
UHY’s Strategic Growth Trajectory
The combination with Adamson & Co. is a clear indicator of UHY’s ongoing strategic investment in markets with significant growth potential. The firm’s objective is to build a national presence capable of delivering industry-specific solutions that address the increasingly complex business environment faced by its clients. This expansion into Texas, building upon its existing regional hub in Houston, is a critical component of its national strategy.
UHY’s aggressive M&A strategy in 2026 is supported by its partnership with Summit Partners, a prominent global private equity firm. This financial backing has enabled UHY to accelerate its growth plans, facilitating the acquisition of firms that not only enhance its service capabilities but also expand its geographic footprint. The accounting industry has seen a significant wave of consolidation in recent years, driven by factors such as the increasing complexity of tax laws, the demand for specialized services (like cybersecurity and data analytics), and the need for firms to achieve greater economies of scale to compete effectively. UHY’s consistent deal-making positions it as a key player in this evolving landscape.
Broader Industry Context and Future Implications
The accounting profession is undergoing a profound transformation. Technology is reshaping service delivery, client expectations are evolving, and the regulatory environment continues to become more intricate. Firms that can offer a comprehensive suite of services, backed by national resources and specialized expertise, are better positioned to thrive.
UHY’s approach of strategically acquiring firms with strong regional reputations and complementary service offerings allows it to rapidly expand its market share and enhance its competitive advantage. The integration of Adamson & Co. not only strengthens UHY’s presence in Texas but also provides a valuable platform for further expansion within the Southwestern United States.
The implications of this merger extend to the clients of both firms. For Adamson & Co.’s clients, the benefit is immediate access to a wider spectrum of advanced services and a larger network of professionals. For UHY, it means a deeper penetration into a key economic region and the acquisition of a firm with a well-established client base and a legacy of trust.
Founders Advisors, a firm specializing in M&A advisory services, played a role in facilitating this transaction, serving as the M&A advisor to Adamson & Co. Their involvement suggests a well-orchestrated process aimed at achieving a mutually beneficial outcome for both parties.
As UHY continues to execute its growth strategy, the integration of Adamson & Co. serves as a significant milestone. With more than 2,000 professionals operating across over 40 offices in the U.S., UHY is demonstrating its commitment to building a leading national accounting and advisory firm, equipped to meet the diverse and evolving needs of businesses and individuals in today’s dynamic economic climate. The firm’s focus on strategic growth markets and its capacity to deliver specialized, industry-specific solutions will be crucial as it navigates the future of the accounting profession.
