Casey Stuart
Donny LukerAccounting mergerHazlett, Lewis & BieterFounded: 1943Location: Market Court building in downtown ChattanoogaPartners: SixStaff: 65 employeesMauldin & JenkinsFounded: 1920Locations: Atlanta, Albany, Ga., Birmingham, Ala., Bradenton, Fla., Macon, Ga., ChattanoogaPartners: 45Staff: 280 employees
One of Chattanooga’s largest accounting firms will merge next week with the Atlanta-based Mauldin & Jenkins LLC.
Hazlett, Lewis & Bieter, LLC, a 70-year-old Chattanooga accounting firm with 65 employees, inked a deal Thursday to join Mauldin & Jenkins on June 1.
“We have very similar cultures and, while we have been approached by many other firms through the years, this seems to be the best fit for us and our future,” said Casey Stuart, the managing member and one of the six partners in Hazlett, Lewis & Bieter who decided to merge with M&J.
Both accounting firms specialize in serving financial institutions, among other firms. Stuart said Hazlett, Lewis & Beiter audits about 40 area banks and credit unions. M&J audits more than 140 financial institutions across the South.