Nichols Cauley unifies accounting, insurance, advisory in Madison Dearborn-backed platform
Nichols Cauley has merged with insurance brokerage Partners Risk Services and transaction advisory firm JGH Consulting to form a new integrated financial services platform, backed by a strategic investment from private equity firm Madison Dearborn Partners.
The combined platform brings together accounting, tax, audit, insurance, and transaction advisory services, positioning itself as a one-stop shop for privately held small and midsize businesses, entrepreneurs, and family-owned companies. The firms say the structure is designed to support clients across the full business lifecycle while expanding geographic reach and service depth.
Todd Giddens, Managing Partner of Nichols Cauley, will serve as chief operating officer, Joe Thompson, CEO of Partners Risk Services, will lead risk management and insurance services, and Greg Hicks, Managing Partner of JGH Consulting, will oversee transaction advisory. Alan Whitman has been appointed CEO of the combined platform.
“We are delighted to be supporting this innovative combination of three leading complementary financial services businesses into one synergistic platform. We look forward to working closely with the platform leadership and the broader team on their mission to deliver a unified service offering to clients across the Southeast U.S. and beyond.” – Vahe Dombalagian, Managing Partner and Co-Head of Financial Services at MDP.
“This merger is about more than staying competitive—it’s about making sophisticated business solutions accessible and meaningful to the clients who need it most. By combining our strengths, we amplify our ability to innovate and provide value-add solutions across accounting, tax, audit, advisory, insurance and transaction advisory services. We’re committed to being the partner of choice that walks alongside our clients through every step of their journey.” – Todd Giddens, Managing Partner of Nichols Cauley.
“Having spent years helping scale Baker Tilly into a leading national platform, I see an extraordinary opportunity to bring that experience to Nichols Cauley as we build something truly differentiated for private businesses and entrepreneurs. By unifying accounting, tax, audit, insurance, and transaction advisory under one roof and partnering with Madison Dearborn Partners, we’re offering a next-generation platform that breaks from tradition and equips business owners with the integrated, sophisticated advice they need at every stage of their journey.” – Alan Whitman, CEO of the combined platform.