Georgia-based Nichols Cauley, an accounting and advisory firm, will be merging with Partners Risk Services, an insurance brokerage firm, and JGH Consulting, a transactions advisory firm. 

The new combined platform will be offering “expanded” services to support various businesses and clients with new resources, Nichols Cauley said.

Additionally, the combined enterprise will provide accounting, insurance, and transaction advisory services to privately held small and midsize businesses, self-made entrepreneurs, and family-owned companies.

Following the close of the transaction, which is expected to close in the first quarter of this year, Nichols Cauley will operate as Nichols Cauley & Associates, a CPA firm, and Nichols Cauley Advisory Group, which will provide business advisory, tax, and other non-attest services. 

Nichols Cauley has also announced additions to its leadership lineup, as the firm prepares to complete its merger. Todd Giddens, a managing partner at Nichols Cauley will serve as the COO of the new platform, Joe Thompson, CEO of Partners Risk Services will lead the risk management and insurance services division, and Greg Hicks, managing partner of JGH Consulting will lead transaction advisory services. 

“This merger is about more than staying competitive—it’s about making sophisticated business solutions accessible and meaningful to the clients who need it most,” Giddens said. “By combining our strengths, we amplify our ability to innovate and provide value-add solutions across accounting, tax, audit, advisory, insurance and transaction advisory services. We’recommitted to being the partner of choice that walks alongside our clients through every step of their journey.” 

For the development of the combined platform, Chicago-based Madison Dearborn Partners has made a strategic investment in the entity. 

Through its investment, Madison Dearborn Partners will use its experience and network within financial services to support the combined business. 

Atlanta-based Partners Risk Services provides commercial, personal, employee benefits, and life insurance to clients across Georgia, and Atlanta-based JGH Consulting specializes in sell-side M&A representation for family-owned and closely held businesses in the lower middle market.