Creative Planning, the Overland Park, Kansas-based registered investment advisor overseeing more than $300 billion in client assets, has agreed to acquire MarkhamNorton Accountants+Advisors, a longstanding accounting and advisory firm headquartered in Southwest Florida. The transaction, expected to close on July 1, 2026, will fold MarkhamNorton's team into Creative Planning's national network while maintaining its existing offices in the region.
MarkhamNorton, founded more than 45 years ago, has built a reputation for serving businesses, families and individuals across Southwest Florida with a suite of services that includes tax preparation, accounting, forensic accounting, business valuation, litigation support and broader advisory work. The firm's client base will gain access to Creative Planning's comprehensive platform, which spans investment management, retirement and estate planning, trust and family office services, tax strategy, audit and assurance, outsourced accounting and payroll, business consulting, mergers and acquisitions advisory, valuations, insurance, lending, technology consulting and legal services.
Creative Planning President and CEO Peter Mallouk emphasized the cultural alignment between the two firms. “MarkhamNorton has earned the trust of its clients and community through decades of exceptional service, deep expertise and strong relationships,” Mallouk said in a statement. “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.”
The acquisition continues Creative Planning's pattern of expansion in the Southeast, a region where the firm has been actively adding scale through both organic growth and strategic acquisitions. The deal also underscores the broader industry trend of RIAs integrating tax and accounting capabilities to offer a more holistic wealth management experience under one roof.
Creative Planning's move comes as many advisory firms seek to differentiate by combining investment management with tax and business advisory services. The firm's platform now includes more than 30 offices nationwide, with a growing presence in Florida, where it already serves a substantial client base. The addition of MarkhamNorton's team is expected to deepen Creative Planning's ability to serve high-net-worth individuals, business owners and families in the Gulf Coast corridor.
Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed. The deal is subject to customary closing conditions and regulatory approvals. MarkhamNorton staff will continue operating from their current Southwest Florida locations, and the firm's name may be retained or phased out over time as integration proceeds.
This acquisition follows a series of similar moves by Creative Planning, which has been among the most active acquirers in the RIA space. The firm's strategy of adding tax and accounting expertise aligns with findings from recent industry studies, such as AssetMark's report on operational discipline driving top advisory firm growth, which highlights the importance of integrated service models in attracting and retaining clients.
For advisors in the Southwest Florida market, the deal signals continued consolidation among independent firms and the growing importance of multi-disciplinary platforms. Creative Planning's ability to offer a wide range of services under one roof may pressure smaller competitors to either scale up or seek partnerships to remain competitive.
