Creative Planning broadens reach in southwest with accounting, advisory firm acquisition

Creative Planning is broadening its footprint along the Gulf Coast, announcing an agreement to acquire MarkhamNorton Accountants+Advisors, a long-established accounting and advisory firm based in southwest Florida.

MarkhamNorton has spent more than 45 years building relationships with businesses, families and individuals across the region, offering tax preparation, accounting, forensic accounting, valuation work, litigation support and broader advisory services.

The Overland Park, Kansas-based registered investment advisor said the deal is set to close on July 1, 2026 and under the agreement, MarkhamNorton staff will become part of Creative Planning's nationwide network while continuing to operate out of their current southwest Florida locations.

"MarkhamNorton has earned the trust of its clients and community through decades of exceptional service, deep expertise and strong relationships," said Creative Planning President and CEO Peter Mallouk. "Their client-first philosophy and commitment to delivering thoughtful, personalized advice align perfectly with Creative Planning's culture and values. We're excited to welcome their talented team and expand our ability to serve clients throughout Florida."

Once finalized, the transaction will give MarkhamNorton's client base access to the wider menu of Creative Planning services including investment management, retirement and estate planning, trust and family office services, tax strategy, audit and assurance work, outsourced accounting and payroll, business consulting, mergers and acquisitions advisory, valuations, forensic accounting, litigation support, insurance, lending, technology consulting and legal services.

The deal adds to Creative Planning's run of acquisitions in the Southeast and reflects the firm's continued push to bring wealth management together with tax, accounting and business advisory work under a single platform.

Creative Planning and its affiliated businesses reported more than $710 billion in combined assets under management or advisement as of December 31, 2025.

So far in 2026 the firm has seen international expansion, acquiring Swiss firm Baseline Wealth Management in January and the UK firm Maseco LLP in March. But it has also expanded domestically with a $660 million Seattle RIA, Duncan & Haley.