Acquiring CPA firms Question

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by a searcher
in Atlanta, GA, USA

2yrs ago

Acquiring CPA firms Question

Hi, Does anyone know the rules around acquiring a CPA firm without having a CPA license? - I know that nearly all states allow for Non-CPA firms to be "minority" owners. - (My goal would be to acquire a majority ownership.)

But the reason for my question is some PE firms have been acquiring CPA firms over the last several years and I am wondering if anyone knows how they get around that?

Any thoughts or help is much appreciated!

Thanks, Walt

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reply by a searcher 2yrs ago
in Atlanta, GA, USA

Patrick, that is great! thank you for your message and confirming this.
I noticed you had an interview on the Acquiring Minds podcast as well. I will be checking that out here too.

reply by a searcher 2yrs ago
from Harvard University in New York, NY, USA

Like David mentioned, PE firms have accomplished this using the alternative practice structure. Other firms (not just PE backed ones) are also organized this way. In effect, the audit / attest practice remains separate and CPA owned, while the non-CPAs (e.g., PE firm) owns the rest of it.