Aprio expands advisory services with acquisition of RSM US LLP’s Professional Services+ practice

Aprio, LLP is set to expand its professional services offerings through the acquisition of RSM US LLP‘s Professional Services+ (PS+) practice, a move that strengthens its position in the advisory sector. The deal, expected to close by April 30, 2025, will transition PS+ and its extensive client base to Aprio, reinforcing its capabilities in business strategy, talent development, and operational efficiency.

The agreement underscores Aprio’s ambition to grow its presence in the U.S. and Canadian professional services markets. With PS+ serving nearly 80 firms across North America, the acquisition brings a well-established advisory framework that aligns with Aprio’s mission to offer comprehensive, growth-oriented solutions.

How Will Aprio Benefit From Acquiring RSM’s PS+ Practice?

The Professional Services+ practice has long been a specialized division within RSM, providing firms with strategic guidance, operational insights, and group purchasing advantages. It has played a crucial role in helping businesses navigate evolving industry challenges while streamlining leadership development and business processes.

By integrating PS+ into its advisory platform, Aprio is enhancing its ability to provide tailored solutions for professional services firms. The acquisition allows Aprio to leverage PS+’s existing expertise and industry relationships, broadening its ability to serve clients in a rapidly changing business landscape. Aprio CEO Richard Kopelman emphasized that RSM had built an exceptional foundation for the PS+ practice over the past four decades, and Aprio is committed to driving its continued success.

What Does The Deal Mean For Existing Clients?

With the transition, the PS+ practice will operate under Aprio’s umbrella starting May 1, 2025. Despite the change in ownership, the structure and service offerings of PS+ will remain intact. Dean Sengstock, the current leader of PS+, will continue in his role at Aprio, alongside four other partners and more than 30 team members.

Sengstock noted that while PS+ is joining a new firm, its commitment to client-focused service will not waver. The transition aims to ensure continuity for clients, who will continue receiving the same level of strategic support and advisory services without disruption.

RSM US LLP’s managing partner and CEO, Brian Becker, expressed confidence that the move would enable the PS+ team to further their capabilities while allowing RSM to refocus on core tax, assurance, and consulting services for the middle market. Becker acknowledged the team’s contributions to RSM over the past 40 years and stated that the firm remains committed to supporting middle-market businesses through its core service offerings.

What Does This Acquisition Say About The Future Of Advisory Services?

Aprio’s acquisition of PS+ reflects a growing trend in the professional services industry, where firms are expanding their capabilities through strategic acquisitions. As businesses seek increasingly specialized advisory solutions, firms like Aprio are strengthening their expertise to meet rising demand.

This deal also highlights an industry-wide shift toward integrated solutions that help firms manage complex challenges, including leadership development, business process optimization, and strategic planning. With talent retention and operational efficiency becoming critical concerns for professional services firms, Aprio’s expanded offerings position it as a key player in the evolving advisory market.

Aprio has been steadily expanding its service portfolio in recent years, acquiring firms and practices that align with its broader strategy of delivering end-to-end advisory solutions. The PS+ integration is expected to bolster Aprio’s ability to support a diverse client base, from small professional firms to larger enterprises looking for strategic guidance.

How Will This Move Affect The Competitive Landscape?

The professional services sector is highly competitive, with firms constantly seeking to differentiate themselves through expanded capabilities and specialized expertise. Aprio’s acquisition of PS+ enhances its competitive standing, placing it alongside larger players that offer a full spectrum of advisory services.

For RSM, the divestiture of PS+ aligns with its strategy of sharpening its focus on middle-market tax, consulting, and assurance services. By streamlining its service offerings, RSM is reinforcing its core strengths while allowing Aprio to take over a specialized segment that requires dedicated expertise.

The deal also signals broader consolidation trends within the advisory sector, where firms are looking to refine their business models, either by acquiring complementary services or divesting non-core operations.

What’s Next For Aprio And PS+?

As Aprio and RSM finalize the transition, the two firms will work together to ensure a smooth handover of client relationships and operational responsibilities. Aprio will integrate PS+ into its existing advisory framework, providing clients with expanded resources and deeper expertise across various business functions.

Aprio has positioned itself as a growth-oriented advisory firm, and the acquisition of PS+ strengthens that reputation. As it continues expanding its footprint, industry observers will be watching to see whether Aprio pursues additional acquisitions or partnerships to further solidify its position in the market.

For professional services firms seeking comprehensive advisory support, this acquisition signals an enhanced ability to navigate industry challenges with tailored solutions. As Aprio integrates PS+ into its operations, the move is expected to create new opportunities for collaboration, knowledge sharing, and business development.