US-based accounting and advisory practice Carr, Riggs & Ingram (CRI) has acquired Morrison & Smith, a public accounting business based in Tuscaloosa, Alabama.
Established in 1951, Morrison & Smith delivers audit, review and compilation services, alongside tax preparation and planning, bookkeeping, and advisory support for corporate and private clients.
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As per the terms of the deal, Morrison & Smith’s staff will remain at their current premises, operating going forward under the CRI brand.
Morrison & Smith’s existing clientele will also retain their current points of contact at the Tuscaloosa office.
Through the integration, these clients will also obtain access to CRI’s wider assurance, tax and advisory portfolio, including dedicated resources in business consulting, data analytics, private wealth management and interim chief financial officer support.
With this merger, CRI establishes its presence in Tuscaloosa and expands its client reach in western Alabama.
CRI chairman and founding partner Bill Carr said: “Morrison & Smith has spent over 70 years building trust with clients throughout West Alabama.
“Their reputation for integrity and personal service is exactly what we value in a firm.
“Tuscaloosa is an important new market for us, and Barry Burns, Alan Hartley and Daniel Sutter bring us a strong local team to grow with. We are proud to welcome them to CRI.”
The transaction builds on CRI’s recent expansion, which has been backed by funding from Bessemer Venture Partners and Centerbridge Partners since late 2024.
Koltin Consulting Group acted as adviser to both businesses for the transaction.
Koltin Consulting Group CEO Allan D. Koltin said: “Carr, Riggs & Ingram continues to write the book on how to select great firms and successfully integrate them.
“They have now completed more than 100 M&A [mergers and acquisitions] transactions, and I have yet to hear of one that went badly.
“CRI screens upfront for cultural and strategic fit, as well as any firm I have seen in the country. Morrison & Smith will be a great addition to CRI.
“Beyond Tuscaloosa being a fantastic market, the firm has outstanding partners and associates and an excellent client base.”
