CLA expands global services via Answerport, Meridian deals

MILWAUKEE and SEATTLE, UNITED STATES — CLA is broadening its global advisory footprint through two strategic additions, bringing in technology consultancy Answerport and investment banking firm Meridian Capital to strengthen its end-to-end services for companies navigating complex business transitions.

According to a press release, the moves position CliftonLarsonAllen LLP (CLA) to deliver a more integrated platform that combines accounting, consulting, digital transformation, and deal advisory services. 

The expansion comes as demand grows for firms that can manage both the financial and technological demands of mergers, acquisitions, and capital transactions.

Strengthening deal execution with technology advisory

Answerport, a Milwaukee-based technology advisory firm, joins CLA to enhance its ability to support private equity firms and corporate clients through high-pressure transactions such as mergers, acquisitions, and carve-outs.

“Major business transactions often create complex technology challenges,” said James Watson, Chief Solutions Officer for CLA. 

“By adding Answerport’s experience and capabilities, we can help our clients manage those transitions more smoothly, from the financial and operational planning all the way through the technology systems that keep their businesses running,” Watson added.

Answerport specializes in post-acquisition system integration, IT separations, cybersecurity readiness, and ongoing operations support after deals close. 

The firm has built its reputation working closely with private equity-backed businesses, helping them stabilize and modernize technology infrastructure during ownership changes.

John Cordio, CEO and Founder of Answerport, said integration with CLA will improve execution speed and coordination across advisory services.

“Technology is often one of the biggest hurdles when companies are bought, sold or combined,” Cordio said. 

“Joining CLA allows us to work alongside a broader team of financial and business advisors so clients can move through those moments faster and with even greater confidence,” Cordio added.

Expanding investment banking and M&A capabilities

In a parallel move, CLA also announced the integration of Meridian Capital, a middle-market investment banking and advisory firm, forming CLA Meridian Capital. 

The addition strengthens CLA’s capabilities in mergers and acquisitions, capital raising, and strategic financial planning.

The combined platform aims to support privately held businesses through every stage of growth, from succession planning to large-scale transactions.

“Privately held business owners often need a team that understands both the financial details of running a company and the bigger strategic decisions about its future,” said Paul Bailey, Chief Growth Officer for CLA. 

“With Meridian Capital joining CLA, we can offer clients deeper expertise when they are raising capital, buying or selling a company, or planning for long-term growth,” Bailey added.

Brian Murphy, CEO and Managing Director of Meridian Capital, said the partnership will enhance client support during critical transition periods.

“By joining CLA, we’ll be able to surround our clients with a broader group of specialists who can help them prepare for major transactions and plan for what comes next,” Murphy said.

Convergence of finance and outsourcing

The dual expansion reflects a broader trend in the outsourcing and professional services industry, where firms are increasingly merging financial advisory, technology consulting, and transaction support under one roof. 

As companies face tighter timelines and more complex cross-border deals, demand is rising for integrated service providers that can reduce fragmentation between IT systems, finance functions, and deal execution teams.

For the outsourcing sector, CLA’s strategy underscores a shift toward high-value, consultative services beyond traditional back-office support. 

Instead of purely cost-driven outsourcing, clients are seeking partners capable of managing transformation end-to-end—especially in private equity-driven environments where speed, precision, and operational continuity are critical.