Grant Thornton to buy professional services firm CBIZ in $5 billion cash deal

• The transaction is valued at $5 billion in cash and is expected to close in the fourth quarter of 2026
• The acquisition will make Grant Thornton the fifth-largest U.S. provider of professional, tax and advisory services
• Goldman Sachs is advising CBIZ while Deutsche Bank serves as lead financial adviser for Grant Thornton Advisors

SUMMARY

Grant Thornton Advisors has agreed to acquire professional services firm CBIZ in an all-cash transaction valued at $5 billion, the companies announced Wednesday, July 29.

Key Deal Terms:

• Purchase price: $5 billion in cash
• Expected closing: Fourth quarter of 2026
• Goldman Sachs is advising CBIZ on the transaction
• Deutsche Bank serves as lead financial adviser for Grant Thornton Advisors

Strategic Implications:

The acquisition will enable Grant Thornton to expand its global footprint and elevate its market position to become the fifth-largest provider of professional, tax, and advisory services in the United States. This represents a significant consolidation move in the professional services sector.

Companies Involved:

• Grant Thornton Advisors (Acquirer): Major accounting and advisory firm
• CBIZ (Target): U.S.-based professional services company

Market Context:

The deal highlights continued consolidation in the professional services industry as firms seek scale and expanded capabilities to compete with the Big Four accounting firms. The $5 billion valuation underscores the premium placed on established client relationships and diversified service offerings in the tax and advisory space.

The extended timeline to Q4 2026 for deal closure suggests the transaction will require regulatory approvals and integration planning typical of large-scale professional services mergers.