Cherry Bekaert CEO Michelle Thompson Talks Private Equity in the Accounting Industry with LP Partner Russell Shapiro

Partner Russell Shapiro recently sat down with Michelle Thompson, CEO of Cherry Bekaert, one of the nation’s largest accounting firms, for an in-depth look at the evolving landscape of the industry. Among other topics, the two examined the impact of Cherry Bekaert’s private equity investment, the advantages of the private equity model, what growth looks like for an accounting firm like Cherry Bekaert, and responses to common challenges of the private equity model.

To listen to the discussion, click here or click on the links below to jump to a specific topic:

• Get to know Michelle Thompson, CEO at Cherry Bekaert
• The Evolution of an Accounting Firm: Cherry Bekaert’s History
• An Accounting Firm’s Private Equity Journey
• How PE Can Attract Talent
• Finding the Right PE Partner
• Advantages of the PE Model
• Responding to Common Challenges of the PE Model
• “Selling” the PE Model to Accounting Firm Partners
• PE’s Impact on Recruiting, Client Retention, and Firm Acquisitions
• The Current Market for Accounting Firms
• Cherry Bekaert’s Goals and Acquisition Plans
• The “Sweet Spot” of Accounting Firm Acquisitions
• Old M&A Model vs. New M&A Model