Adams Brown, a leading regional CPA and business advisory firm, announced its intent to acquire Wichita-based Fortner & Short LLC (F&S) effective November 1, 2021. All six F&S staff members will join Adams Brown with current shareholders, Richard Fortner and Tim Short being named to the leadership team.

With all the changes within the CPA industry in recent years, both firms found that they align on what matters most — providing clients with deeper, holistic business solutions while affording team members desirable career growth.

“We’re excited for the opportunity to help grow our clients through specialized service offerings under one roof,” said Fortner, F&S managing principal. “Being able to provide enhanced career opportunities for our team is another top priority.”

F&S was founded in 1998 and serves closely-held and family-owned businesses, trusts and individuals. The firm has practice specialties that overlap cohesively with Adams Brown including the areas of construction & real estate, manufacturing & distribution, professional services and oil & gas.

“This acquisition is a win for all involved,” said Adams Brown managing principal Brian Staats. “Current F&S clients will gain access to additional specialized solutions while our team gains experienced accounting professionals with specialties in the same areas we focus on. The combining of our firms will benefit our clients, our team and the Wichita community.”

Adams Brown is the 144th largest CPA firm in the country according to Inside Public Accounting and the 3rd largest CPA firm in Wichita as ranked by the Wichita Business Journal. The firm was named a Regional Leader and the 11th Fastest Growing Firm by Accounting Today earlier this year. In addition, Adams Brown is a multi-year finalist in the Wichita Business Journal’s best places to work contest.

Headquartered in Wichita, Adams Brown serves 12 markets across Kansas and Arkansas. The merged practices will operate under the name AdamsBrown, LLC.