HBK acquires MKS&H | Accounting Today

HBK CPAs & Consultants, a Top 50 Firm based in Ohio, has expanded to Maryland by acquiring McLean, Koehler, Sparks & Hammond, effective Dec. 1, 2025.

The deal adds 35 professionals to HBK and gives the firm its first offices in Maryland, located in Timonium and Frederick. Ira Rosenbloom of Optimum Strategies advised the firms on the deal.

MKS&H was founded over 80 years ago and offers accounting, tax, audit and business consulting services to middle-market clients in industries including construction, real estate, manufacturing, distribution, nonprofit services, international tax and accounting, and deathcare, which represents a new industry specialization for HBK.

HBK, short for Hill Barth & King, dates back to 1949 and added a wealth management practice in 2001. It ranked No. 50 on Accounting Today‘s 2025 list of the Top 100 Firms, with $156 million in annual revenue, 114 partners and 729 employees.

“This combination represents an important step forward in our strategic growth initiative and marks HBK’s entry into the Maryland market,” said HBK managing principal and CEO Thomas M. Angelo in a statement Monday. “MKS&H shares our commitment to serving clients with integrity and expertise. Their strong reputation in Maryland and specialized industry knowledge will enhance our ability to serve clients across a broader geographic area and bring additional depth to our service offerings.”

The deal advances several goals of HBK’s strategic plan, including geographic expansion into new markets and enhanced industry expertise. 

“We are excited to join HBK and provide our clients with access to expanded resources and capabilities,” said MKS&H managing partner Kathleen M. Davis in a statement. “HBK’s values and approach to client service mirror our own, and this partnership allows us to continue serving our clients with the same dedication they expect while offering enhanced expertise and support.”

She and audit principal Wayne E. Baldwin, Jr., tax principal Jennifer Milas and audit principal Barbara Walker are joining HBK. 

In October, HBK acquired KHS, expanding its geographic footprint into northern New Jersey. In January, HBK acquired Acuity Human Resources. Last year, HBK split the leadership of its two entities: HBK CPAs & Consultants and HBKS Wealth Advisors. In 2023, HBK merged in Zapken & Loeb LLP, a firm in Woodbury, New York. In 2021, it merged in Vertical Solutions, a Pittsburgh-based managed service provider.