Indianapolis-based IPA 100 firm KSM (Katz Sapper & Miller) (FY24 net revenue of $166 million) announced its formal entry into the Chicago market with the addition of MichaelSilver of Deerfield, Ill.

This transaction, effective Thursday, July 31, marks KSM’s first office in Indiana’s neighboring state of Illinois, and in the third-largest metro area in the U.S. MichaelSilver provides tax, accounting, assurance and consulting services to a diverse mix of middle-market clients. MichaelSilver’s expertise in trust/estate, international tax, outsourced finance and accounting, valuations and transactions complements many of the services KSM offers its clients.

“We are excited to welcome MichaelSilver to the KSM family. MichaelSilver was a natural fit for our firm – not just because of its depth of talent and complementary services, but because of our shared culture and values,” said Tim Cook, KSM CEO and president. “Given our existing team of a dozen remote employees and many valued clients in Chicagoland, establishing a dedicated KSM office in the region will further solidify our presence in the Windy City. This move strengthens our relationships, opens the door to new opportunities for growth, talent and impact, and supports many of KSM’s strategic goals.”

MichaelSilver brings 60 professionals and 14 partners to KSM, including co-MPs Larry Isaacson and Jennifer A. Barliant, who will continue to lead KSM’s new Chicagoland office. Eligible MichaelSilver employees will become employee-owners through participation in KSM’s employee stock ownership plan (ESOP), gaining a direct stake in the firm’s ongoing success.

“Joining KSM marks an exciting new chapter in MichaelSilver’s 80-year-plus history. From the start, we recognized in KSM a shared commitment to forward-thinking strategies, employee development and values that mirror our own,” said Barliant. “We’re excited to leverage KSM’s expanded resources and collaborative spirit to continue delivering exceptional results for our clients and new opportunities for our team.”

“We approached the decision to join KSM with great care, knowing how critical it is to align with a firm that reflects our principles and aspirations. KSM’s people-centered culture, leadership vision and emphasis on employee development made that alignment clear. As we become KSM’s Chicago regional office, we look forward to building on MichaelSilver’s legacy and shaping a strong future together,” said Isaacson.

MichaelSilver will be fully integrated into KSM as KSM’s Chicago regional office and will assume the KSM brand over the coming months.