Accounting and advisory practice Nichols Cauley is set to merge with insurance brokerage Partners Risk Services and transaction advisory company JGH Consulting.
The merger will establish a new platform bringing together accounting, insurance and transaction advisory offerings for privately held small and mid-sized businesses, self-made entrepreneurs and family-owned companies.
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Madison Dearborn Partners (MDP), a private equity investment firm headquartered in Chicago, is providing growth investment for the merger. The parties indicate that MDP will support the combined business using its experience and network within financial services.
Leadership responsibilities are expected to continue across the service lines. Nichols Cauley managing partner Todd Giddens is set to become chief operations officer of the platform.
Partners Risk Services CEO Joe Thompson will lead risk management and insurance services, while JGH Consulting managing partner Greg Hicks will be in charge of transaction advisory services. Alan Whitman is expected to serve as CEO.
The transaction is expected to close in the first quarter of 2026.
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By GlobalDataAfter closing, Nichols Cauley is expected to operate under an alternative practice structure, with Nichols Cauley & Associates (a licensed certified public accountant practice) providing attest services and Nichols Cauley Advisory Group providing business advisory, tax and other non-attest services.
Nichols Cauley managing partner Todd Giddens said: “This merger is about more than staying competitive – it is about making sophisticated business solutions accessible and meaningful to the clients who need it most.
“By combining our strengths, we amplify our ability to innovate and provide value-add solutions across accounting, tax, audit, advisory, insurance and transaction advisory services. We are committed to being the partner of choice that walks alongside our clients through every step of their journey.”
