Saltmarsh Merges in Ruggiero, Martinez & Norton

Top 200 accounting firm Saltmarsh, Cleaveland & Gund has combined with fellow Florida CPA firm Ruggiero, Martinez & Norton (RM&N), based in Winter Park.

Financial terms of the deal weren’t disclosed. Partner Lou Martinez and the entire team of 13 RM&N professionals joined Pensacola-based Saltmarsh on Jan. 1 and will continue to serve clients from their Winter Park office. 

“Lou, [partner] Kane [Norton], and the team at RM&N are exactly the kind of professionals we aim to grow with at Saltmarsh,” Saltmarsh President Lee Bell said in a statement. “They are trustworthy, dependable, and genuinely care about their clients. We are eager to expand our footprint in Central Florida as part of this merger and are even more enthusiastic to welcome them to their new home at our firm.” 

Founded in 1989, RM&N provides tax, accounting, and estate planning services to businesses and individuals in the Central Florida community. 

“I am comforted to know that the traditions of service, integrity, and family values we established over the past 35 years will continue. Our team members and clients are in good hands,” said Alfred Ruggiero, co-founder of RM&N.

Martinez added, “This is an exciting time for our firm, no doubt. We considered alternatives throughout this process, but our focus remained on doing what was best for our team and our clients. Saltmarsh exemplifies the qualities we were seeking and shares our values and passion for service.”

The combined firm will have about 175 employees and offer accounting, audit/assurance, tax, wealth advisory, and many specialized consulting services to clients throughout the U.S. and overseas.