Alan Whitman Returns to Private Equity-Backed Accounting with New Triple-Threat Firm

Former Baker Tilly CEO Alan Whitman is re-entering the accounting landscape, leading a new private equity-backed firm, Nichols Cauley, which integrates CPA services, insurance, and transaction advisory. This move highlights the accelerating trend of private equity investment in the accounting sector, with a significant increase in deal volume and the emergence of new platform formations alongside traditional add-on acquisitions. The article emphasizes a shift from mere acquisition velocity to a focus on operational performance, integration efficiency, and the generation of higher-margin advisory revenue.