Youngstown, Ohio-based IPA 100 firm HBK CPAs & Consultants (FY24 net revenue of $175.59 million) has announced that McLean, Koehler, Sparks & Hammond (MKS&H), a Maryland-based accounting and advisory firm, will join HBK effective December 1, 2025. The combination brings approximately 30 professionals to the firm and establishes HBK’s first offices in Maryland, located in Timonium and Frederick. Ira Rosenbloom of Optimum Strategies advised both firms on the transaction.
Founded more than 80 years ago, MKS&H provides accounting, tax, audit and business consulting services to middle-market clients. The firm adds specialized expertise in construction, real estate, manufacturing and distribution, nonprofit services, international tax and accounting, and deathcare—a new industry vertical for HBK.
“This combination represents an important step forward in our strategic growth initiative and marks HBK’s entry into the Maryland market,” said Thomas M. Angelo, managing principal and CEO of HBK. “MKS&H shares our commitment to serving clients with integrity and expertise. Their reputation and industry knowledge will enhance our ability to serve clients across a broader geographic area and deepen our technical capabilities.”
The deal supports several objectives in HBK’s strategic plan, including geographic expansion, industry specialization and the continued development of integrated service offerings.
“We are excited to join HBK and provide our clients with access to expanded resources and capabilities,” said Kathleen M. Davis, MP of MKS&H. “HBK’s values and approach mirror our own, and this partnership allows us to maintain the personalized service our clients expect while offering additional expertise.”
Under Davis’s leadership, along with Audit Principal Wayne E. Baldwin Jr., Tax Principal Jennifer Milas and Audit Principal Barbara Walker, the MKS&H team will join HBK. Both Maryland offices will continue operating under the HBK brand, ensuring continuity for clients while establishing HBK’s presence in the Baltimore and Frederick markets.
Integration efforts will focus on aligning systems, sharing knowledge across teams and identifying collaborative opportunities that benefit clients of both firms.
