Operations

Antares Group merging with Aprio

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October 13, 2023

Antares Group, which provides accounting and financial services to over 1,600 McDonald's restaurants and other quick service and fast casual brands in over 40 states, is merging with, Aprio, an Atlanta-based business advisory and accounting firm.

The combination will propel Aprio's ranking higher among national accounting firms, while more than doubling the size of its restaurant, franchise and hospitality team, said Richard Kopelman, Aprio CEO and managing partner.

"We are pumped about the win-win benefits that Antares Group and Aprio amplify as a combined entity which will solidify Aprio's position as a national leader in the restaurant, franchise and hospitality industry," he said in a company press release. "The combination furthers our ability to deliver business advisory, accounting, tax planning, complex audit services and more during the entire lifecycle of a business."

Aprio National Restaurant Franchise & Hospitality Leader Dana Zukofsky said the partnership aligns with the segment go-to-market approach, which will enhance Aprio's ability to serve existing and prospective clients in the evolving restaurant and franchise industry.

"In support of Aprio's focus on supporting women in business, of the eight partners joining us, six are women, so it's exciting to have talented female leadership joining Aprio as well," she said in the release.

The combined Aprio and Antares Group will grow the restaurant and franchise practice to national prominence delivering best-in-class service, along with innovative products and capabilities for clients, said Mark Kashgegian, managing partner, Antares Group. The expanded team will drive modernization in the market and deploy the latest in tax and financial strategies. In the next three to five years, Aprio's commitment to the restaurant industry and community will deliver growth and distinction for franchise brands across the U.S. and beyond.

"The combination of our firms represents a unique opportunity to facilitate our continued growth in the restaurant and franchise industry," Kashgegian said in the release. "This also represents a tremendous opportunity for members of our team to advance their professional growth and continue to build meaningful careers as part of a larger firm."

Aprio has completed over 20 strategic mergers and acquisitions in the last five years, including Aronson, Salver & Cook, Gomerdinger & Associates, Tobin & Collins, Squire + Lemkin, LBA Haynes Strand, Leaf Saltzman, RINA and Tarlow and Co.