Navigate
M&A Advisors
Strategic Advisors for Public Accounting M&A
Navigate M&A Advisors is a trusted partner to public accounting firms, providing strategic advisory services for mergers, acquisitions, succession planning, and investment strategies. Our expertise spans firms of all sizes—from Big 4 and national firms to regional leaders and sole proprietors—allowing us to offer tailored solutions that align with each firm's long-term vision.
With deep industry knowledge and active involvement on advisory boards, we provide insight into growth strategy, market positioning, and operational scalability. Whether facilitating strategic partnerships, minority and majority investments, or full-scale mergers and acquisitions, our team ensures firms make informed decisions that drive sustainable success and long-term value.
Navigate M&A Advisors takes a consultative, relationship-driven approach, ensuring that every transaction is structured for efficiency, cultural alignment, and future scalability. Our commitment to transparency, industry expertise, and strategic execution positions us as a premier partner for public accounting firms looking to expand, transition, or enhance their market presence.
Why CPA Firms Should Consider an M&A Event
Mergers and acquisitions are not just about expansion—they are strategic decisions that can secure the long-term success and sustainability of a CPA firm. Whether driven by growth opportunities or necessary transitions, an M&A event can provide solutions to some of the most pressing challenges firms face today.
For firms looking to navigate the complexities of an M&A event, partnering with an experienced advisor is key.
At Navigate M&A Advisors, we help firms assess their strategic options, identify the right opportunities, and execute transactions that drive long-term success.
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Many firm owners are approaching retirement, and without a structured transition, their firms risk losing key clients and leadership stability. An M&A event ensures a smooth leadership transition while monetizing years of hard work.
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The rapid evolution of technology in accounting, from automation to AI-driven insights, requires significant investment. Merging with or acquiring a firm that has advanced technology and operational efficiencies can accelerate modernization efforts.
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The public accounting industry is experiencing a talent crunch, making it difficult to recruit and retain top professionals. An M&A transaction can provide access to skilled professionals, leadership pipelines, and an expanded workforce.
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Whether firms are looking to expand service offerings, enter new markets, or enhance their advisory capabilities, securing outside capital through a strategic transaction can fuel long-term growth and competitive advantage.
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In an increasingly consolidated industry, size and service depth matter. Strategic M&A moves can increase market share, improve client retention, and create synergies that enhance profitability.
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A merger or acquisition can diversify revenue streams, client portfolios, and industry specialization, reducing dependency on a single practice area or economic cycle.
Our Strategic Partnerships
At Navigate M&A Advisors, we have built a diverse network of trusted partners, allowing us to provide CPA firms with a range of strategic options when considering an M&A event. Our relationships span across various types of investors and firms, ensuring that each deal aligns with the unique goals and long-term vision of the businesses involved.
By leveraging our deep industry expertise and extensive network, we connect CPA firms with the right partners—whether for succession planning, expansion, capital infusion, or strategic alignment.
We have established agreements and partnerships with:
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Accounting Firms (All Sizes)
From Big 4 and top 100 firms to regional and boutique practices, we work with firms seeking strategic growth, succession solutions, or expanded service offerings.
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Traditional Private Equity Firms
PE groups seeking to invest in and scale accounting firms with a long-term growth strategy.
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Accounting Roll-Up Firms with Financial Backing
Consolidators with the capital and infrastructure to create larger, more competitive firms while maintaining operational autonomy.
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New Investment </br> Companies
Emerging investors entering the accounting space with fresh capital and a vision for modernization and expansion.
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Wealth Management Firms
Firms looking to integrate accounting services into their advisory platforms to provide a holistic financial offering.
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Family Offices
Private investment groups with patient capital, focused on long-term value creation within the professional services sector.
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Entrepreneurial Investors
Business leaders and investors who recognize the stability and growth potential in the accounting industry and seek strategic opportunities.
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Interested in Partnering with Us?
Recent
Success Stories
At Navigate M&A Advisors, we take pride in delivering strategic M&A solutions that align with the unique needs and goals of CPA firms. Our recent successes highlight our ability to facilitate transactions that drive long-term value, provide succession solutions, and create opportunities for growth.
Each of these engagements reflects our commitment to strategic advisory, long-term planning, and value-driven M&A solutions. Whether you are considering a transition, a strategic partnership, or investment opportunities, our expertise ensures a successful outcome.
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We successfully guided a boutique firm through its acquisition by an emerging investment group, providing the firm with capital for expansion while maintaining its leadership team and client relationships.
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A well-established CPA practice sought to enhance its service offerings and market reach. We facilitated its merger into a leading regional firm, ensuring cultural and strategic alignment.
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Working closely with firm leadership, we structured an employee buyout that allowed senior partners to transition while securing the firm’s long-term success through internal succession.
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We identified synergies between two niche CPA firms, guiding them through a merger that enhanced client service capabilities and operational efficiencies.
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Navigate Search played a key role in the sale of a strong regional firm to a well-capitalized roll-up firm, ensuring financial stability and future growth.
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We provided private equity firms with insights on the evolving CPA landscape, including talent acquisition strategies, leadership retention, and cultural integration post-transaction.
Meet the Navigate
M&A Advisors Team
Our team brings deep industry expertise, strategic insight, and a hands-on approach to mergers and acquisitions within the professional services sector. With a proven track record of guiding firms through growth, succession, and investment strategies, we are dedicated to delivering results that align with long-term business goals.
Steve Silverman
Managing Partner
Steve Silverman
Managing Partner
Steve is a strategic leader with a proven track record of driving growth through mergers and acquisitions within the professional services sector. Throughout his career, he has successfully built and scaled businesses into award-winning platforms. With about 15 years of experience in Executive Search and M&A Advisory, Steve specializes in Partner Placement, Acquisition Services, and Firm Consulting for CPA firms of all sizes.
Beyond traditional search, Steve has advised firms on buying and selling practices, structuring strategic mergers, and facilitating capital-backed roll-ups. He has played a pivotal role in helping firms navigate succession planning, private equity investments, and expansion strategies, ensuring long-term success for all stakeholders. His deep market insights, extensive network, and hands-on approach make him a trusted advisor in the evolving landscape of CPA firm M&A.
John Gaw
Managing Partner
John is a seasoned advisor in the mergers and acquisitions space, with over 12 years of experience helping firms navigate strategic growth opportunities. Specializing in Entertainment Business Management, Public Accounting, and Family Office, he provides M&A advisory, strategic consulting, and executive search services to clients across the U.S.
John has successfully guided firms through practice sales, mergers, and strategic acquisitions, ensuring seamless transitions that align with long-term business objectives. His deep industry expertise and market insight make him a trusted partner for firms looking to expand, secure investment, or plan for succession. Beyond M&A, John plays a critical role in building leadership teams and advising on talent strategies that drive firm success.
John Gaw
Managing Partner