Barkley Acquires Smiths Agency to Deepen Food & Beverage Expertise

The Martin Group Acquires Mr. Smith Agency

May 1, 2026

Marketing & Advertising

The Martin Group, an integrated marketing communications firm headquartered in Buffalo, New York, acquired Mr. Smith Agency, a Western New York creative, brand strategy, and content studio. The deal adds Mr. Smith as a distinct division within The Martin Group, with all eight employees (including founder Rob Dimmer) joining the firm; the financial terms were not disclosed.

Smithbucklin Acquires McKinley Advisors

March 6, 2026

Professional Services

Smithbucklin has acquired McKinley Advisors, an association consultancy focused on research, strategy, governance, and business transformation. The deal combines McKinley’s research-based advisory capabilities with Smithbucklin’s association management, education, and event services platform, supported by 360 Live Media.

Smith + Howard Acquires Bauknight Pietras & Stormer (BPS) in South Carolina

January 13, 2026

Accounting & Tax

Smith + Howard, an accounting and advisory firm, announced its acquisition of Bauknight Pietras & Stormer, P.A. (BPS), one of the largest locally owned public accounting firms in South Carolina. The deal is intended to expand Smith + Howard’s Southeastern footprint and broaden advisory capabilities, with BPS transitioning to the Smith + Howard brand following closing.

CohnReznick Acquires Smith Schafer & Associates

January 1, 2026

Professional Services

CohnReznick acquired Minneapolis-based Smith Schafer & Associates effective January 1, 2026, marking the firm's entry into Minnesota and expanding its Midwest footprint. Smith Schafer brings three local offices, 12 partners and 89 employees, and expertise across professional services firms, construction, manufacturing, and transportation to strengthen CohnReznick's advisory, assurance, and tax capabilities.

Prairie Farms Dairy Acquires SmithFoods

October 8, 2024

Food & Beverage

Edwardsville, Illinois-based Prairie Farms Dairy has acquired Ohio-based SmithFoods, a regional dairy manufacturer founded in 1909, for an undisclosed sum. The deal expands Prairie Farms' Ohio footprint and complements its existing network of dairy plants, with both companies committed to a seamless integration and continued service to customers and communities.

Ackley Brands Acquires Charles Smith Wines from The Wine Group

August 8, 2024

Food & Beverage

Seattle-based Ackley Brands has acquired the Charles Smith Wines portfolio (including Kung Fu Girl, Eve, The Velvet Devil, Band of Roses, Boom Boom! and Chateau Smith) from The Wine Group in a deal that closed August 8, 2024. The purchase was for brands and inventory only (no properties or personnel) and will move subsequent vintages to Ackley Brands' winemaking facility in Prosser, Washington as part of a broader strategy to expand its Pacific Northwest beverage portfolio.