PE Hub is reporting that according to three sources, CohnReznick is in talks with William Blair — the Patty Stanger of private equity investments — to “gauge new capital sources of investment” in the next few months.
CohnReznick has $150 million of EBITDA, they said. The firm is currently sitting at #16 on the INSIDE Public Accounting Top 100 with $1,052,365,413 in revenue.
In June, Financial Times ran a teaser story that named three firms very close to inking private equity transactions — PKF O’Connor Davies, Carr, Riggs & Ingram, and Aprio. Aprio’s private equity deal was leaked ahead of an announcement shortly thereafter, CRI hasn’t made a deal yet as far as we know but is exploring options, and who cares about PKF O’Connor Davies.
A CohnReznick deal would mean six of the country’s top 20 accounting firms have taken private equity investment. In descending order by revenue size those firms are BDO (6), Grant Thornton (7), Baker Tilly (10), EisnerAmper (17), and Citrin Cooperman (19).
If anyone in the know feels like talking, get in touch via email or text. Tips are always anonymous.
CohnReznick said to review PE investment interest by early 2025 [PE Hub]
BDO did not take private equity investment. An ESOP is not PE ownership.