The Transaction
Top-60 accounting firm Doeren Mayhew acquired Miami-based CPA firm Nearman, Maynard, Vallez, further consolidating its position as the leading credit union auditor in the United States. Financial terms were not disclosed.
The four Nearman, Maynard, Vallez partners — Chris Vallez, Jennifer Hoskins, Ellen Vargo, and Lynn Franzosa — join Doeren Mayhew as principals, with their employees joining the firm's Financial Institutions Group. The Georgia employees remain in the Fayetteville office; the rest of the team operates out of Doeren Mayhew's Miami office.
Doeren Mayhew's Credit Union Practice
Doeren Mayhew's Financial Institutions Group provides audit, internal audit, accounting, regulatory compliance, lending review, tax, and merger advisory services to hundreds of credit unions nationwide. Client asset sizes range up to nearly $22 billion.
About Nearman, Maynard, Vallez
Founded in 1979, Nearman, Maynard, Vallez has served the credit union industry exclusively, providing audit and consulting services to more than 170 credit unions nationwide. The firm consistently ranked third on Callahan & Associates' annual Supplier Market Share Guide.
Post-Combination Scale
Following the combination, Doeren Mayhew serves:
- Over 375 annual audit clients
- 500 total credit union clients
- 150 professionals dedicated to the industry
- Nearly $31 million in annual practice revenue
Leadership Perspective
Chad Anschuetz, managing shareholder and chairman of Doeren Mayhew, described the acquisition as a substantial milestone in the firm's growth strategy and a reaffirmation of its credit-union commitment. Chris Vallez cited a broader service range for clients and expanded professional development opportunities for staff at the larger firm.
Implications
The deal is a textbook niche consolidation — specialist firm absorbed by a larger platform with overlapping client focus and deeper service capability. Expect continued niche-aligned rollups as larger platforms prioritize sector depth over pure geographic expansion.