Enterprise, Ala.-based IPA 100 firm Carr Riggs & Ingram LLC (CRI) (FY23 net revenue of $455.3 million) announced the firm is expanding into East Texas by merging with IPA 400 firm Lufkin, Texas-based Axley & Rode LLP. This acquisition marks CRI’s second merger transaction since it received a strategic capital investment in November 2024 and further strengthens the firm’s presence and investment in the Texas market.
Founded in 1949 in Lufkin, Texas, Axley & Rode expanded its operations to include Jasper, Livingston, and Nacogdoches offices. Following the close of the transaction, the ten partners and current staff from Axley & Rode will integrate with the established CRI teams in Texas and across the country to continue serving clients.
“Texas has always been a crucial part of CRI’s growth strategy,” said Bill Carr, CRI chairman. “With Axley & Rode now on board, we have established our presence in the East Texas market, which is new territory for us. Axley & Rode has deep roots in East Texas and ties to their communities, similar to many of our CRI locations. Their emphasis on client service, relationship-oriented offerings and cultivating beneficial partnerships for all parties aligns with CRI’s founding principles and the culture we’ve cultivated and strive to maintain.”
