Arlington, Va.-based Ascend has expanded through two acquisitions involving partner firms.

San Diego-based IPA 400 firm LevitZacks (FY24 net revenue of $14.9 million) acquired La Jolla, Calif.-based Leinenweber & Associates, while Atlanta-based IPA 300 firm Wilson Lewis (FY24 net revenue of $17.7 million) acquired Alpharetta, Ga.-based Santi & Associates. Both transactions were effective June 1, and the firms will operate under the LevitZacks and Wilson Lewis brands.

Leinenweber & Associates specializes in high-net-worth individuals, trust and estate matters, tax compliance and proactive tax strategy. The firm added three partners and one staff member to LevitZacks. 

“As a small five-person firm, we sought a transaction that would successfully transition clients, give us access to improved technology and services and provide a structure to take on new clients,” said Mark Leinenweber, founder of Leinenweber & Associates. “After researching and exploring several options, combining with LevitZacks through Ascend seemed best positioned to meet all of those goals. We’re a few weeks into the transition and all outcomes are exceeding expectations.”

LevitZacks CEO Victor Ramsauer said, “Not only does this firm have deep roots in our community, but Mark and his team have been kindred spirits, and we’re excited to share ideas and continue providing the best service to our longstanding clients. I can’t wait to work with them.”

Santi & Associates provides business and tax services to closely held businesses and individuals across a range of industries. The acquisition adds one partner and 10 staff members to Wilson Lewis, which has offices in Atlanta and Duluth, Ga. 

“Starting and growing a business is a very personal experience, and my company and the clients we serve have always been a top priority,” said Roger Santi, founder of Santi & Associates. “Ascend affords the benefits of additional resources, systems, talent and efficiencies of a large firm while never losing the personal touch and agility that clients appreciate in a smaller firm. It truly is the best of all worlds, and it provides me great comfort in knowing that our clients are the big beneficiaries of that.”

Wilson Lewis CEO, Josh Crisp said the firms were a natural fit because of their shared focus on client service. “From our earliest conversations, it was clear that our firms share a common philosophy centered around client relationships, team culture, and long-term growth. Santi’s reputation for trusted service and deep connections within the Alpharetta community make them an outstanding addition to our firm. By coming together, we’re enhancing the depth of expertise and resources available to our clients while also creating new opportunities for our people to develop and grow. Most importantly, this partnership strengthens our ability to continue delivering a high-touch, relationship-driven experience to the clients and communities we serve."