05 MAR 2025 / M&A UPDATES

Aprio Expands Compliance Capabilities with Acquisition of JMS Advisory Group

- MYCPE ONE Insights Team

Aprio, an Atlanta-based accounting and advisory firm, has strengthened its compliance offerings with the acquisition of JMS Advisory Group LLC (JMS). Founded in 2006, JMS has built a strong reputation in unclaimed property compliance, helping clients mitigate risk and capitalize on financial opportunities. The acquisition aligns with Aprio’s growth strategy and commitment to delivering future-focused advisory services.

JMS’s team of 14 professionals-including attorneys, CPAs, and certified fraud examiners-brings more than a century of combined experience in escheat management, asset recovery, and unclaimed property compliance. These capabilities will enhance Aprio’s existing compliance services, positioning the firm as a leader in this specialized area.

“As Aprio continues its rapid growth, we are committed to expanding our services to meet the evolving needs of our clients,” said Richard Kopelman, CEO of Aprio. “The addition of JMS gives us the opportunity to continue strengthening our position as a future-focused advisory firm. JMS’s focus on escheat management and asset recovery not only enhances our current capabilities but also allows us to deliver even more impactful solutions to help businesses navigate complex compliance challenges.”

Leadership Integration

As part of the transition, JMS president and CEO James Santivanez joins Aprio as a partner. Recognized for his expertise in complex compliance solutions, he has extensive experience assisting clients with voluntary disclosure agreements, mitigating unclaimed property liabilities, and representing businesses in state audits.

JMS founder and director Sherridan Santivanez also joins Aprio as a partner. She specializes in representing clients before state enforcement authorities and managing high-stakes audits and voluntary disclosure agreements for major corporations. Her strategic guidance in audit preparation and interactions with state and third-party auditors further strengthens Aprio’s compliance capabilities.

Reflecting on the acquisition, James Santivanez highlighted the significance of the partnership. “We created JMS to make an impact nationally in the unclaimed property consulting industry, and I’m proud of our nearly 20-year history of helping clients mitigate risk and capitalize on opportunities resulting from accurate and properly managed unclaimed property compliance,” he said. “Joining with Aprio takes us to the next level, allowing us to build upon our success while providing even greater value to our clients. This is an exciting next step in our journey.”

With this acquisition, Aprio continues its expansion as a leading advisory firm, offering enhanced compliance solutions that address evolving regulatory challenges and business needs.

Until next time…

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