Cherry Bekaert Acquires Richardson Kontogouris Emerson

Expansion of Top 25 Firm's Presence on the West Coast

Published on Feb. 18, 2026

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Cherry Bekaert, a Top 25 accounting and advisory firm, has acquired Richardson Kontogouris Emerson (RKE), a California-based accounting and advisory firm. The acquisition strengthens Cherry Bekaert's ability to serve middle-market companies, founders, and private investors in Southern California.

Why it matters

The acquisition marks an important step in Cherry Bekaert's growth strategy, expanding its presence on the West Coast and providing its clients with access to a broader range of specialized advisory and technology services. For RKE, the partnership with Cherry Bekaert opens new opportunities for its clients and team.

The details

As part of the transaction, Cherry Bekaert Advisory will acquire RKE's business advisory, tax, and other non-attest services, while Cherry Bekaert will acquire RKE's attest assets. RKE will operate under the Cherry Bekaert brand. The acquisition aligns with Cherry Bekaert's 2022 decision to split its attest and non-attest services, with private equity funding from Parthenon Capital.

  • The acquisition was announced on February 17, 2026.

The players

Cherry Bekaert

A Top 25 accounting and advisory firm based in Raleigh, North Carolina, with $660 million in revenue, 183 partners, and over 1,800 employees across 47 offices.

Richardson Kontogouris Emerson (RKE)

An accounting and advisory firm headquartered in Torrance, California, that was one of Accounting Today's 2025 Regional Leaders in the West, with $40.3 million in revenue, 17 partners, and 125 employees.

Michelle Thompson

CEO of Cherry Bekaert Advisory.

Christian Emerson

Managing partner at RKE.

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What they’re saying

“This acquisition marks an exciting step in our Firm's growth strategy. RKE's strong presence in Los Angeles and its commitment to client service align perfectly with our values. Together, we will deliver enhanced value to clients by combining RKE's local relationships with Cherry Bekaert's national scale and expanding our reach in the Western United States.”

— Michelle Thompson, CEO of Cherry Bekaert Advisory (accountingtoday.com)

“Joining Cherry Bekaert opens new doors for our clients and team. This strategic partnership gives our clients access to broader resources — from specialized advisory to advanced technology — while continuing to work with the valued RKE professionals they know and trust. We're excited to deliver an expanded suite of services with the same quality and care our clients have come to expect from RKE.”

— Christian Emerson, Managing partner at RKE (accountingtoday.com)

The takeaway

The acquisition of RKE by Cherry Bekaert represents a strategic move to expand the Top 25 firm's presence on the West Coast and enhance its ability to serve middle-market companies, founders, and private investors in Southern California. The partnership combines RKE's local expertise and client relationships with Cherry Bekaert's national scale and resources, positioning the combined firm for continued growth and success.