Smith + Howard has completed the acquisitions of Hagler & Brocato in Alabama and Byrne|Zizzi in Mississippi, strengthening its national accounting and advisory platform and expanding its geographic reach throughout the Southeastern United States. The transactions bring the firm’s total number of acquisitions to 11 and increase its presence to nearly 900 professionals across 16 offices in the United States and India.
Both transactions closed on November 2, 2026.
The acquisitions represent Smith + Howard’s fourth and fifth strategic additions during 2026.
Hagler & Brocato is headquartered in Hoover, Alabama, and serves businesses and individuals throughout the greater Birmingham region.
Founded in 2005, the firm provides accounting, tax planning and preparation, bookkeeping, payroll services, and business consulting.
Its industry experience includes construction, real estate, dental practices, professional services, and nonprofit organizations.
The acquisition expands Smith + Howard’s existing operations in Alabama.
The company entered the state through its September 2025 acquisition of Birmingham-based Horton, Lee & Burnett.
Adding Hagler & Brocato strengthens its relationships with regional businesses while expanding available accounting and advisory expertise.
The second acquisition establishes Smith + Howard’s first operating presence in Mississippi.
Byrne|Zizzi is headquartered in Tupelo and maintains additional offices in Aberdeen, Houston, and Oxford.
The women-led firm provides tax planning and compliance, client accounting and advisory services, business consulting, and business valuation.
Its services complement Smith + Howard’s broader platform while adding a team with established local client relationships.
The four Mississippi offices give the company a broader regional footprint immediately following completion.
Smith + Howard has been pursuing expansion through acquisitions since partnering with private equity in November 2022.
The company has completed 11 acquisitions during that period.
In June 2026, Smith + Howard announced a significant investment from TPG Growth to support national expansion, technology investment, and development of additional capabilities.
The two latest acquisitions reflect the continued execution of that strategy.
Smith + Howard provides assurance, tax, advisory, cyber risk, wealth management, executive search, and specialized consulting services.
The firm aims to combine the breadth of a larger national organization with personalized customer relationships maintained by regional advisory teams.
The acquired firms will gain access to its technical resources, professional development programs, technology, and broader range of services.
These resources can help local accounting practices address increasingly complex tax, regulatory, and operational requirements.
For clients, the expanded platform may provide access to additional professionals with specialized industry and technical expertise.
The acquisitions also create opportunities for employees to pursue career development within a larger professional services organization.
Smith + Howard’s management has emphasized preserving existing client relationships while supporting continued growth.
The firm’s expansion comes amid consolidation across the accounting and advisory industry, where firms are seeking additional resources for technology, staffing, and service development.
Smith + Howard was recognized in 2026 as a Best of the Best firm by INSIDE Public Accounting, marking its 17th consecutive year receiving the recognition.
With the two acquisitions completed, the firm has increased its presence in Alabama while establishing offices across four Mississippi cities.
The transactions strengthen its Southeastern operations and support its broader strategy of developing a national accounting and advisory platform.
KEY QUOTES:
“These acquisitions build on the momentum of welcoming TPG Growth as our strategic partner and reflect our commitment to building a leading national firm through partnerships with exceptional regional businesses. Hagler & Brocato and Byrne|Zizzi bring outstanding talent, trusted client relationships, and deep local expertise. With TPG Growth’s support, we’re accelerating our expansion while investing in the people, technology, and capabilities that will drive long-term value for our clients.”
Sean Taylor, CEO Of Smith + Howard
“Joining Smith + Howard represents an exciting opportunity for our clients and our team. We’ve built our reputation on providing personalized service and trusted guidance. This partnership allows us to preserve those relationships while giving our clients access to a much broader range of resources, specialized expertise, and advisory capabilities.”
Charles C. “Clay” Hagler, Founder Of Hagler & Brocato
“Our clients and our people were at the center of this decision. We have built relationships that mean a great deal to me, and choosing the right firm to join was personal. Smith + Howard gives our clients access to expertise and services we have wanted to offer, and gives our team more opportunities to learn, grow, and build their careers. I’m excited about what we can do together. The people our clients know and trust are coming with us.”
Emily Zizzi, CEO And President Of Byrne|Zizzi