Join 250,000+
professionals today
Add Insights to your inbox - get the latest
professional news for free.
Ascend Platform Firms Complete Two Regional Mergers
Join our 250K+ subscribers
Join our 250K+ subscribers
Subscribe20 JAN 2026 / M&A UPDATES
-(1)-1768990322.webp)
Accounting and advisory platform, Ascend, backed by Alpine Investors, announces the completion of two mergers. California-based Lucas Horsfall has integrated Gettleson, Witzer and O’Connor, significantly expanding its family services in the Los Angeles market, while Wilson Lewis in Atlanta has merged with Georgia’s Alexander, Almand and Bangs, which will strengthen its regional footprint.
Ascend, an accounting and advisory platform backed by private equity firm Alpine Investors, announced the completion of two mergers involving firms within its platform, expanding its presence across key regional markets.
Pasadena, California based Lucas Horsfall has integrated Gettleson, Witzer and O’Connor, a family services and business management firm headquartered in Encino, California. Founded in 2000, Gettleson, Witzer and O’Connor serves entertainment families in the San Fernando Valley and adds partners Randal O’Connor and Seth Gettleson, along with 44 staff members, to Lucas Horsfall. The combination enhances Lucas Horsfall’s family services offering while expanding its scale and capabilities in the Los Angeles market.
Separately, Atlanta based Wilson Lewis has merged with Alexander, Almand and Bangs of Gainesville, Georgia. Founded in 1971, Alexander, Almand and Bangs brings more than five decades of experience, adding four partners and 13 staff members to Wilson Lewis. The transaction establishes a presence in Gainesville and strengthens Wilson Lewis’s regional footprint across Georgia.
Ascend leadership noted that both firms pursued growth strategies focused on building middle market firms while maintaining strong culture and client service. Executives from Lucas Horsfall and Wilson Lewis emphasized shared values, expanded expertise, and enhanced career development opportunities resulting from the mergers.
The transactions reflect Ascend’s ongoing strategy of supporting regional accounting and advisory firms seeking to scale while preserving operational independence.
Until next time…
Don’t forget to share this story on LinkedIn, X and Facebook
Subscribe now for $199 and get unlimited access to MYCPE ONE, from CPE credits to insights Magazine
📢MYCPE ONE Insights has a newsletter on LinkedIn as well! If you want the sharpest analysis of all accounting and finance news without the jargon, Insights is the place to be! Click Here to Join
You’ve reached the 3 free-content piece limit. Unlock unlimited access to all News & CPE resources.
Subscribe Today.
Already have an account?
Sign In
-(2)-1776076832.webp)
-1775654678.webp)
