Cleveland-based IPA 100 firm Cohen & Company (FY22 net revenue of $129.8 million) has acquired Szymkowiak & Associates CPAs and PEAR Consultants, both of Buffalo, N.Y.
Founded in 2001 by Dennis Szymkowiak, Szymkowiak & Associates focuses on tax, assurance and advisory services for closely held and private equity-owned companies, high-net-worth individuals and family offices. The firm also provides outsourced corporate tax and accounting advisory services. PEAR Consultants was founded in 2022 by Kristine Bly, in partnership with Szymkowiak, as a tax consulting firm with a specialized focus on state residency services and audit defense for ultra-high-net-worth individuals.
“This market expansion fits perfectly into our overall strategic growth plan and the resulting synergies will be meaningful for all parties,” says Cohen & Company CEO Chris Bellamy. “Szymkowiak and PEAR are entrepreneurial at their core with deep business advisory expertise. We are excited to welcome such great talent to our firm – including their current local leadership, who will remain firmly in place and highly active in the market.”
“Cohen continues to be a destination place for young talent,” adds Allan Koltin, CEO of Koltin Consulting Group, who advised Cohen & Co. on the deal. “I’ve watched this firm for over 40 years and their values and mission have never changed – grow your people and grow your clients and everything else will follow.”
