Dean Dorton and VonLehman to Combine on Jan. 1

It’s not quite a “mega merger,” but a top 100 CPA firm and a top 200 CPA firm will be merging on Jan. 1, 2024.

Dean Dorton, based in Lexington, KY, and VonLehman CPA & Advisory Firm, based in Fort Wright, KY, announced their marriage on Tuesday. The firm will operate as Dean Dorton and provide accounting, business advisory, and professional services to clients from offices in North Carolina, Indiana, Ohio, and Kentucky.

All existing Dean Dorton and VonLehman offices will remain the same, and the combined firm will have approximately 550 team members nationwide.

The merger allows both firms to continue providing innovative financial, technological, and operational solutions that have led to their strong organic growth through the years.

Established in 1946, VonLehman is a full-service CPA and business advisory firm with offices in Kentucky, Ohio, and Indiana. VonLehman provides assurance, accounting, tax, and progressive business advisory services for closely held businesses, nonprofits, and governmental entities. A top 200 firm, VonLehman had revenue of $28 million during its most recent fiscal year.

“We couldn’t be more excited for this opportunity,” said VonLehman President Adam Davey, who will be Dean Dorton’s Greater Cincinnati market leader once the merger is completed. “This merger is equally beneficial for our clients and our team. The synergies between our firms are palpable, and we’re excited to introduce our new service lines across our region. This is a mutually beneficial relationship where both firms provide unique value. It’s a great move from every perspective.”

Founded in 1979, Dean Dorton provides an integrated suite of audit, tax, business management, consulting and technology solutions to companies throughout the region, nationally, and internationally. During its most recent fiscal year, Dean Dorton had revenue of $49.6 million, placing it within the top 100 accounting firms in the U.S.

“This merger is truly unique in that it combines two strong and healthy firms, one not dependent on the other, to redefine the client experience and the professional services landscape,” said Dean Dorton President and CEO David Bundy. “Dean Dorton and VonLehman are trusted partners in their respective communities. We are excited to continue our legacy of serving our clients and potential partners through a truly unique and relationship-driven client experience.”

Apart from traditional accounting, auditing, and tax services, the firm provides a full array of technology consulting, mergers and acquisition services, human resources consulting, comprehensive healthcare advisory services, family office, and specialized tax services geared toward high-net-worth individuals and family groups, as well as forensic accounting and litigation support, among others.