Smith + Howard Expands Its Reach in the Southeast U.S. Through Acquisition of Horton, Lee & Burnett

Smith + Howard Expands Its Presence in the Southeastern U.S.

Smith + Howard, a well-known name in the accounting and advisory industry, made headlines recently with its strategic acquisition of Horton, Lee, Burnett, Peacock, Cleveland & Grainger, commonly referred to as Horton, Lee & Burnett. This move marks a significant step in Smith + Howard's mission to enhance its foothold in the Southeastern United States, particularly in Alabama, where Horton, Lee & Burnett is based.

The acquisition was officially announced on September 3, 2025, though specific terms were not disclosed. Sean Taylor, CEO of Smith + Howard, expressed enthusiasm for the acquisition, stating, "This acquisition aligns with our strategy to combine organic growth with targeted expansions that add depth to our expertise and geographic reach." He emphasized that the merging of their teams would deliver enhanced value to clients served by both firms.

Founded in 1967, Horton, Lee & Burnett has built a stellar reputation in the accounting community, offering services that span accounting, auditing, tax preparation, and advisory support. Their diverse client base encompasses several sectors including real estate, healthcare, manufacturing, and non-profit organizations. As part of the transition, the entire team from Horton, Lee & Burnett will join Smith + Howard, bringing a wealth of experience and dedication to client success.

Brian W. Burnett, a partner at Horton, Lee & Burnett, shared his excitement about the partnership: "Joining forces with Smith + Howard is an exciting step for our clients and our team. We share a common vision for delivering extraordinary service and practical solutions." He highlighted the new opportunities that this collaboration would create, particularly in offering a broader suite of services while driving growth and innovation.

Neal England, Managing Director at Founders Advisors, and advisor to Horton, Lee & Burnett, praised the firm’s legacy, noting their strong culture and long-term client relationships. He mentioned how impressed he was with both organizations throughout the acquisition process. Chris Jenkins, Vice President at Founders Advisors, also conveyed his delight in witnessing the ongoing success of Smith + Howard post-acquisition.

As Horton, Lee & Burnett transitions to the Smith + Howard brand, clients can expect to receive enhanced services across various sectors. This acquisition aligns with a recent surge in momentum for Smith + Howard, which has also launched two new tax practices: Site Selection + Incentives (SSI) and State and Local Income Tax Consulting (SALT). These developments signify the firm's commitment to expanding its offerings in audit, tax, advisory, and specialized consulting services while maintaining its reputation for operational excellence.

Smith + Howard continues to be recognized nationally for its performance and workplace culture. The firm was recently ranked #83 on INSIDE Public Accounting's nationwide "Top 500 CPA Firms" and #10 on The Atlanta Journal-Constitution's "Top Workplaces for Mid-Size Companies." They have also received their inaugural USA Today "Top Workplaces" honor. Known for delivering full-service capabilities across various industries such as construction, technology, and transportation logistics, Smith + Howard is a key player in the accounting sector.

To learn more about Smith + Howard and their expansive suite of services, visit www.smith-howard.com. This acquisition not only signifies a significant growth opportune for Smith + Howard but also a promising future for their clients in the Southeastern United States.