Herbein announces acquisition of Creese, Smith, Hune & Co. LLC
Firm expands presence in Greater Pittsburgh
Leading CPA advisory firm Herbein + Company, Inc. (Herbein) announces the acquisition, effective November 1, 2023, of Creese, Smith, Hune & Co. LLC, a Greater Pittsburgh certified public accounting firm.
This merger is part of Herbein’s strategic plan and is based on strengthening a growing geographic market for the firm. Herbein was recently named one of the largest Pittsburgh-area accounting firms by the Pittsburgh Business Times.
“We are known in the Greater Pittsburgh communities where we live and work as one of the region’s most-trusted CPA advisory firms, so we are excited to welcome Creese, Smith, Hune & Co. LLC’s highly respected practice,” said Herbein CEO David Stonesifer.
Founded in 1996, Creese, Smith, Hune & Co. LLC provides a wide range of client-focused assurance and tax services. All Creese, Smith, Hune & Co. LLC professionals will join Herbein, continue practicing from their current location at 8150 Perry Highway in Pittsburgh, and work closely with Herbein’s existing teams in the region to deliver greater resources and services to clients. Smith and Hune will join Herbein as senior consultants.
“Herbein complements and enhances our current service offerings for our business community and we know that they will help us provide even greater value to our clients,” commented David Smith.
“Herbein has comprehensive experience in all the areas we work in, and their team will bring additional bench strength to serve our clients - and provide an outstanding foundation for the future to our team members,” added Jim Hune.
Stonesifer said that the merger reflects Herbein’s ongoing commitment to its culture.
“While we continue to grow, we are primarily committed to maintaining our culture and so have always been very strategic about who we invite to join us. Our cultures and values are well-aligned, and we share the same entrepreneurial approach to succeeding with confidence.”
While Herbein has 3 existing Greater Pittsburgh locations – in downtown Pittsburgh, Allison Park, and Greensburg - Herbein Chief Financial Officer Joseph Witkowski said that the firm continues to be interested in expanding its presence in the region.
“This merger reflects our focus on Greater Pittsburgh – and our belief that Creese, Smith, Hune & Co. LLC is well positioned to help us increase our visibility in the region.”
Terms of the agreement have not been made public. However, Smith reiterated the importance of cultural alignment in the decision to join Herbein:
“While Herbein is a leading national firm, it is also known in our region for its local focus. A move as significant as this meant the fit had to be right – and that’s why we couldn’t be more excited about joining forces with Herbein."
"Herbein is more than just a successful and growing CPA advisory firm with a long history,” said Hune. “Knowing their team members value the firm and continue to feel valued themselves brings us a lot of confidence we are joining the right firm.”
Ira Rosenbloom, CEO of Optimum Strategies advised on the combination.
