Arlington, Va.-based Ascend, a strategic partner for regional accounting and advisory firms backed by private equity firm Alpine Investors, has announced the addition of Maumee, Ohio-based IPA 100 firm William Vaughan Company (FY24 net revenue of 24.7 million) William Vaughan Company, an accounting and advisory firm.
Founded in 1959, William Vaughan Company has more than 115 professionals and 15 partners and is one of the largest locally owned firms in Northwest Ohio. The firm provides tax, audit and assurance, client accounting and transaction advisory services to clients in manufacturing and distribution, professional services, construction, restaurants and retail.
“William Vaughan Company describes its purpose as ‘Earning Trust. Creating Lifelong Relationships.’ We see immense wisdom in that north star,” said Nishaad (Nish) Ruparel, president of Ascend. “It is our privilege to champion trust and relationships in the middle market by investing in William Vaughan’s independence and supporting its transformation.”
Aaron Swiggum, CEO of William Vaughan Company, said the partnership supports the firm’s long-term priorities around independence, technology investment and access to capital.
“Our leadership team has dedicated considerable time and strategic planning to define William Vaughan Company’s path forward, identifying three major priorities: maintaining our independence, investing in technology, and securing access to capital for sustained growth,” said Swiggum. “Our partnership with Ascend directly addresses these priorities, empowering us to remain autonomous, accelerate innovation, and support ongoing expansion.”
“For over 65 years, William Vaughan Company has earned its reputation as a trusted advisor to some of the most successful businesses and entrepreneurs in the Midwest, and as one of the best places to build a career in public accounting,” said Jamie Billings, head of platform M&A at Ascend. “William Vaughan is emblematic of the firms we are building Ascend to serve, and we are proud to build upon this rich legacy together.”
As part of the transaction, William Vaughan Company will adopt an alternative practice structure, with tax and advisory services provided through WVC Advisors, an entity affiliated with Ascend, while attest services will continue through an independently owned CPA firm.
