Ascend, a strategic partner for regional accounting and advisory firms backed by Alpine Investors, has announced mergers at two of its platform firms effective November 1. TSS Advisors of Lebanon, N.H., has merged in John G. Burk & Associates of Keene, N.H., while Boston-based Walter Shuffain Advisors Inc. has integrated Richardson & Company PC of Medway, Mass.
The additions expand Ascend’s New England footprint and bring more firms onto the platform, which supports regional accounting firms in accelerating growth, enhancing career opportunities and strengthening client service.
“Over the course of their careers, John Burk and Steve Richardson built firms with reputations for trusted advice, familial cultures and attentive presence in their local business communities,” said Nishaad (Nish) Ruparel, president of Ascend. “I am proud that Ascend partner firms offer leaders like John and Steve a unique ability to remain regional, embed into an enduring workplace and surround their clients with large-firm resources.”
James Godfrey, CEO of TSS, noted the strong alignment with Burk’s team. “John, Jason and their amazing Burk team have built an incredible legacy of trust, integrity and client care,” he said. “Our combined expertise will allow us to continue providing the personalized service our clients expect, with expanded resources and reach.” TSS is the largest professional advisory firm in the Upper Connecticut River Valley.
Jonathan Yorks, CEO of Walter Shuffain, said the combination deepens the firm’s ability to deliver “white-glove, full-service support” to clients. Walter Shuffain has been recognized among IPA’s Top 200 Firms, Best of the Best Firms and Fastest-Growing Firms, as well as Accounting Today’s Best Firms to Work For.
Allan D. Koltin, CEO of Koltin Consulting Group, who advised on the Walter Shuffain–Richardson transaction, said Richardson chose Ascend and Walter Shuffain over several national suitors due to their resources, expertise and forward-looking culture.
Ascend works with regional accounting firms between $15 million and $50 million in revenue, providing national-level support while allowing firms to remain independent.
