Aprio Expands Midwest, Strengthens QSR Outsourcing with Mize CPAs Inc. and Prism Financial Group, L.L.C. Acquisition

ATLANTA, Sept. 19, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Top 25 powerhouse business advisory and accounting firm, Aprio, continues to redefine professional services and today announced it has entered into agreements to acquire Mize CPAs Inc. ("Mize"), Midwest-based accounting and advisory firm for entrepreneurs and McDonald's Owner/Operators, along with its affiliated wealth management firm, Prism Financial Group, L.L.C. ("Prism"). The acquisitions are expected to close around November 1, 2025. Upon closing, this combination adds offices in Topeka and Overland Park, Kansas, and 20 partners and more than 300 professionals to Aprio.

With this addition, Aprio is accelerating its Midwest expansion, and growing its regional team to more than 450 professionals, less than a year after entering the market. With three Chicago metro offices established earlier this year, Aprio is rapidly building a meaningful presence in the region. The firm plans to scale to 1,000 professionals over the next three years, reinforcing its commitment to growth and leadership in the Midwest.

"With the powerful addition of Mize and Prism, we will continue to deliver best-in-class service and transformative value to franchisees and business owners across the Midwest and beyond," said Richard Kopelman, CEO of Aprio. "It's exciting to bring together firms that share our culture and vision for building the professional services firm of the future, while fulfilling our commitment to help our clients and team members achieve their boldest ambitions. We are honored to welcome Mize and Prism, two highly admired firms, to Aprio."

Mize CPAs Inc., founded in 1956, is a nationally recognized accounting and advisory firm, best known for being the largest accounting and payroll services provider to McDonald's Owner/Operators and delivering payroll, tax, and tech-driven business solutions to franchisees and businesses nationwide. Mize also brings deep experience in construction, manufacturing and distribution, and auto dealership industries.

The combined Quick Serve Restaurant and Franchise team will help franchise owners unlock new opportunities and achieve their boldest goals. By building on its world-class capabilities, Aprio is committed to supporting even more admirable brands across the industry and delivering greater value to franchisees as they grow.

Mize affiliate, Prism Financial Group L.L.C., is a wealth management firm based in Kansas, providing comprehensive financial planning and investment advice to high-net-worth individuals, business owners, and franchisees across 42 states and managing $1.8 billion in assets. Prism will join Aprio Wealth Management, Aprio's registered investment advisor, providing fiduciary-based financial planning and investment management services that complement the firm's broader tax, legal, and advisory capabilities. With the addition of Prism, Aprio Wealth Management will reach $5 billion in assets under management.

James Hilbert, managing partner of Mize CPAs Inc., added, "Our proudest moments come from helping clients achieve their goals and unlock new growth. As part of Aprio, we will deliver an unprecedented level of support and resources. We're also excited about the limitless potential this creates for our team members to grow and thrive. Together, we're committed to delivering the guidance, technology, and personal attention that drive real results."

As part of the transaction, Mize Managing Partner James Hilbert and Prism Managing Partner Tim Shmidl will join Aprio as partners. In a newly created role that reinforces Aprio's deep commitment to the McDonald's Owner/Operator community, Bryan Phillips will serve as the McDonald's Owner/Operator Market Leader, bringing decades of specialized experience supporting franchisees nationwide.

Allan Koltin, CEO of Koltin Consulting Group, who advised all parties on the transaction, commented, "The combination of Aprio, Mize, and Prism creates a powerhouse in the Midwest, blending unmatched capabilities in serving franchisees, high-net-worth individuals, and entrepreneurs. The synergies between these firms are extraordinary, uniting deep industry knowledge and a shared commitment to client success. Together, they are set to dominate the region, offering comprehensive support and opportunities that raise the bar for clients and talent alike."

Aprio's growth strategy continues to attract firms that want to grow faster, enhance client service, and provide opportunities for team members to build careers. Having completed more than 40 combinations since 2017, Aprio is recognized as a destination for organizations looking to scale and boost capabilities that add value to the client experience.

To learn more about Aprio, visit aprio.com.

About Aprio    

Aprio is the brand name under which Aprio, LLP, and Aprio Advisory Group, LLC, deliver professional services. Since 1952, clients throughout the U.S. and across more than 50 countries have trusted Aprio for guidance on how to achieve what's next. As a premier business advisory and accounting firm, Aprio Advisory Group, LLC, delivers advisory, tax, managed, and private client services to build value, drive growth, manage risk, and protect wealth, and Aprio, LLP, provides audit and attest services. With proven experience and genuine care, Aprio serves individuals, entrepreneurs, and businesses, from promising startups to market leaders alike. Aprio has grown to 2,300+ team members providing solutions to clients in industries including Manufacturing and Distribution, Non-Profit and Education, Professional Services, Real Estate, Construction, Restaurant, Franchise & Hospitality, Government Contracting, and Technology.

About Aprio Wealth Management 

Aprio Wealth Management delivers integrated, fiduciary-based financial services designed to simplify the complexities of wealth management. As a fee-only SEC Registered Investment Advisor, Aprio Wealth Management offers comprehensive planning across investments, tax strategy, retirement, estate planning, insurance, and family office services. Clients benefit from the continuity and coordination of working with a single, collaborative team that understands their complete financial picture. Backed by the resources and infrastructure of a top 25 accounting and business advisory firm, Aprio Wealth Management provides objective guidance, strategic insight, and long-term value across generations.

Investment Advisory services are offered through Aprio Wealth Management, LLC, an independent Securities and Exchange Commission Registered Investment Advisor. Information presented is for educational purposes only and does not intend to make an offer or solicitation for the sale or purchase of any securities, and past performance is not indicative of future results. Investments involve risk and are not guaranteed. Be sure to first consult with a qualified financial adviser and/ or tax professional before implementing any strategy discussed here.

About Mize CPAs Inc.

Mize CPAs Inc. is a nationally recognized accounting and advisory firm, recognized for serving over 300 McDonald's Owner/Operators and delivering payroll, tax, and business solutions to franchisees and businesses nationwide. Mize also brings extensive capabilities in construction, manufacturing, distribution, and automotive industries, helping clients streamline operations and achieve growth through technology-driven solutions.  

About Prism Financial Group, L.L.C.

Prism Financial Group is a leading wealth management firm based in Kansas, providing comprehensive financial planning and investment advice to individuals, business owners, and franchisees across 42 states. Prism's team delivers personalized, fiduciary-based strategies to help clients reach their financial goals.  

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Aprio Website: https://www.aprio.com/   
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SOURCE Aprio