Aprio, LLP, a nationally recognized, CPA-led business advisory firm, announced that it has combined with LBA Haynes Strand, LLC, a leading accounting firm in North Carolina. The combination of Aprio’s comprehensive service offerings with LBA Haynes Strand’s deep presence in the strategic Carolinas market creates tremendous value for clients, the business and team members.

Nearly 70 LBA Haynes Strand team members across five North Carolina offices – Charlotte, Greensboro, Mt. Airy, Winston Salem and Asheboro – joined Aprio, including 13 partners.

This combination provides the opportunity to scale LBA Haynes Strand’s existing Enterprise Risk Management, Capital Advisors and Dental practices nationally, while offering LBA Haynes Strand’s clients access to greater specialty services through Aprio, including R&D Tax Credit Services, State and Local Tax, Transaction Advisory Services, Information Assurance, Business Technology Consulting Services, Data & Analytics, Wealth Management and International Tax.

While expanding Aprio’s footprint in the Carolinas, this combination also strategically expands Aprio’s established industry specializations in manufacturing and distribution, real estate, technology and education.

“The addition of the LBA Haynes Strand team expands Aprio’s technical depth and expertise which will enable us to better help our clients navigate complex business challenges and achieve their growth and profitability goals,” said Richard Kopelman, CEO and managing partner at Aprio. “For more than 30 years, LBA Haynes Stand has served as a trusted advisor to businesses across North Carolina and we’re excited to welcome the LBA Haynes Strand team to Aprio.”

LBA Haynes Strand CEO John Bly will serve as Aprio’s Regional Managing Partner of the Carolinas.

“In today’s business environment, our clients have a need for more sophisticated and specialized tax and consulting services,” Bly said. “By joining Aprio, we gain access to more service offerings and resources that will benefit both clients and team members.”

As part of Aprio, LBA Haynes Strand team members will benefit from a larger firm with a national presence that can accelerate business growth and offer new opportunities for personal development and advancement. Aprio is regularly featured in top workplace lists and is a top-ranked CPA firm on Glassdoor, ranking 4.8 out of 5.

All former LBA Haynes Strand partners and team members will continue to operate from their North Carolina offices as Aprio.

“There are tremendous synergies between Aprio and LBA Haynes Strand,” said Jeff Kapelus, President of Capstone Search Solutions, the advisor to both firms on this transaction. “Aprio and LBA Haynes Strand each share strong leadership, people-centric cultures, a focus on innovation and a passion for client service and responsiveness that will undoubtedly make this combination a success for team members and clients alike.”

Since 2013, Aprio has combined with seven strategically chosen firms as part of their initiative focusing on targeted expansion, and the firm plans to continue to make strategic combinations in the years ahead.