Abacus expands to Kentucky following merger

Springfield-based certified public accounting firm Abacus has expanded its footprint into Kentucky through the merger with a Louisville business.

Abacus announced the deal in which Patterson & Co. CPAs PLLC has become the firm’s eighth location, according to a news release. Terms of the merger were not disclosed in the release and company officials didn’t respond to requests for additional information by deadline. As part of the deal, Patterson is rebranding as Abacus.

“We’ve always believed that people deserve better,” Abacus Managing Partner Bill Dunton said in the release. “For over two decades, our commitment to distinctive client service has been a cornerstone of our success. This partnership allows us to team up with an exceptional group in Louisville, enhancing the guidance and expertise through our team’s growth and capabilities.”

The deal marks the second out-of-state expansion for Abacus following its 2022 merger with Fayetteville, Arkansas-based Porterfield & Co. CPA PLLC, according to the release. Previous mergers involved Rotramel, Sharp & Co. PC in Lee’s Summit in 2013 and Perryman & Associates Inc. in 2011, according to Springfield Business Journal archives.

Officials say in the release that the new office in Louisville will strengthen Abacus’ reputation for delivering client-focused services, particularly in specialized industries like quick-service restaurants and small businesses. The 1998-founded firm specializes in tax, accounting, audit and consulting services.

“This collaboration is a purposeful step for our firm,” Dunton said in the release. “Bringing Patterson into the Abacus family will allow us to deepen community connections, support this incredible team and serve even more clients.”

Abacus was one of three CPA firms in Springfield named last year on Inside Public Accounting’s list of the top U.S. accounting firms. It ranked No. 280, reporting $17.8 million in net revenue, according to past Springfield Business Journal reporting.

The company also ranked sixth on SBJ’s 2024 list of the area’s largest CPA firms with nine CPAs and 110 local employees.