Minneapolis-based IPA 100 firm CLA (CliftonLarsonAllen LLP) (FY24 net revenue of $2.045 billion) has announced that team members from Meridian Capital and Answerport are joining the firm, expanding its investment banking and digital solutions capabilities.
The Meridian Capital team will operate as CLA Meridian Capital, enhancing the firm’s wealth advisory and investment banking offerings. The addition strengthens the firm’s ability to support privately held businesses with mergers and acquisitions, capital raising and strategic advisory services, while aligning with its industry-focused growth strategy.
“Privately held business owners often need a team that understands both the financial details of running a company and the bigger strategic decisions about its future,” said Paul Bailey, chief growth officer. “With Meridian Capital joining CLA, we can offer clients deeper expertise when they are raising capital, buying or selling a company, or planning for long-term growth.”
Brian Murphy, who becomes managing principal, investment banking, will lead the CLA Meridian Capital team alongside Patrick Ringland. Murphy said, “Many of the privately held, middle-market companies we advise are at pivotal points in their growth or ownership transition. By joining CLA, we’ll be able to surround our clients with a broader group of specialists who can help them prepare for major transactions and plan for what comes next.”
Separately, the firm announced that the Answerport team has also joined CLA, further expanding its digital solutions capabilities. Based in Milwaukee, Answerport specializes in helping private equity firms and portfolio companies manage technology challenges associated with acquisitions, divestitures and integrations.
“Major business transactions often create complex technology challenges,” said James Watson, chief solutions officer. “By adding Answerport’s experience and capabilities, we can help our clients manage those transitions more smoothly, from the financial and operational planning all the way through the technology systems that keep their businesses running.”
John Cordio added, “Technology is often one of the biggest hurdles when companies are bought, sold or combined. Joining CLA allows us to work alongside a broader team of financial and business advisors so clients can move through those moments faster and with even greater confidence.”
