Better than Private Equity

At MH-Kenilworth, we are creating a sustainable platform for long-term success—not a short-term exit. Unlike private equity firms, we are CPA-led, relationship-driven, and committed to preserving the local culture, relationships, integrity and people that make a firm great. We're also different from traditional CPA firm buyers, who often lack the infrastructure or scale to support growth effectively.

Here’s why our model stands apart.

The Hidden Costs of Private Equity Rollups in CPA Firms

Private equity firms often pursue aggressive roll-ups of CPA firms. While this can bring in capital and growth potential, it frequently creates deep operational and cultural problems.

Private equity ownership can alter the core culture of CPA firms by shifting focus from long-term relationships and professional development to short-term financial performance. While KPIs have value, overemphasis on profitability often leads to layoffs, reduced training, and weakened mentorship. Partners may face early exits, and client service can become transactional as trusted advisors are sidelined in the pursuit of quick returns.

These shifts raise ethical and regulatory concerns, as pressure to grow revenue may blur lines between audit, consulting, and compliance. Governance often moves to investor-controlled boards lacking accounting expertise, reducing partner autonomy and driving talent out. As experienced professionals leave and younger talent looks elsewhere, rapid scaling without adequate oversight increases the risk of compliance failures and regulatory scrutiny.