Atlanta firm acquires Columbia’s Bauknight Pietras & Stormer

One of Columbia’s largest locally owned public accounting firms has been purchased by a national firm looking to expand its presence in the region.

Smith + Howard, an Atlanta accounting and advisory firm, today (Jan. 13) announced its acquisition of Bauknight Pietras & Stormer P.A., one of the largest locally owned public accounting firms in South Carolina. This acquisition extends Smith + Howard’s regional presence and strengthens its growing footprint across the Southeastern United States, the firm said in a news release.

BPS — a Top 250 firm recognized by INSIDE Public Accounting — has earned a reputation for delivering tailored advisory services and trusted guidance across a broad range of industries, the company said in a news release. As part of Smith + Howard, BPS joins a firm with shared values, a client-first culture, and a common approach to service, the company said. Smith + Howard says clients will benefit from broader resources, deeper technical expertise and enhanced capabilities.

“This acquisition reflects our continued focus on thoughtful, high-quality growth that expands both our geographic reach and our service depth,” Sean Taylor, CEO of Smith + Howard, said in the release. “BPS brings specialized expertise, strong client relationships, and a team that shares our values and commitment to exceptional client service. Together, we are well-positioned to deliver even greater value to our clients while continuing to invest in our people and our platform.”

According to the Smith + Howard statement, the addition of BPS supports the national firm’s long-term growth strategy by enhancing its capabilities, while also extending the Smith+Howard’s reach into a key strategic Southeast market. BPS’s expertise bolsters Smith+Howard’s presence in shared industries such as construction, real estate and manufacturing and distribution, the release said. It also extends Smith + Howard’s reach into BPS’s core industries, including captive insurance and telecommunications, and enhances advisory services such as forensic accounting and litigation support.

“Joining Smith + Howard marks an exciting next chapter for our firm and our clients,” Jay Swearingen, managing shareholder at BPS, said in the release. “This partnership strengthens our ability to ensure the long-term success of our employees and our clients by expanding the services, resources and expertise we bring to the table. It aligns us with a firm that shares our commitment to trust, innovation and collaborative relationships, allowing us to continue delivering exceptional accounting and advisory services while supporting sustainable growth for everyone involved.”

Following the close of the acquisition, BPS will begin transitioning to the Smith + Howard brand, the release stated.

Smith + Howard’s recently acquired Horton, Lee & Burnett in Birmingham, Ala., the release said.

Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.