REDW LLC, which is led by Scottsdale resident Mike Allen and is one of the Southwest's largest advisory and CPA firms, announced that tax and accounting firm Edwards, Largay, Mihaylo & Co., PLC has joined with REDW effective Oct. 31, increasing REDW’s local office to nearly 100 team members.

What started as casual conversations between business colleagues evolved into more strategic discussions about business philosophies and best practices for innovation and high-performing firms, according to a press release.

With a shared vision about elevated client experience, Allen, principal-in-charge of REDW’s Phoenix Office, and Paradise Valley resident Jeffrey Largay, principal at ELMCO, discussed the possibility of merging the two organizations about 12 months ago. It soon became clear that joining forces under one brand would make for a winning formula, both for the merging firms and the market, the release continued.

“REDW’s strategic growth plan in Arizona has not only been to elevate our clients’ experience with us, but to cultivate opportunities to join forces with other reputable firms that have a unique understanding of the local market,” Allen said. “With a similar concentration of expertise in the commercial space, including construction, real estate and professional service providers, we knew the ELMCO team would be an excellent fit, and would also strengthen REDW’s expansion in the areas of estate and trust tax planning.”

Licensed in Arizona and specializing in tax compliance, business and tax consulting, and accounting services, ELMCO team members bring expertise to entrepreneurs, executives and independent professionals who can now entrust their business affairs to REDW’s multi-disciplinary expertise.

“Since the founding of ELMCO 34 years ago, we have taken great pride in providing the highest quality of consulting and compliance services to our business clients,” Largay said in the release. “REDW’s reputation in the marketplace and client service initiatives align with the guiding principles of ELMCO, making this union a great match. The ability to strengthen our services in the areas of multi-state and international taxation, along with accounting services, will be a great benefit to our clients. We are looking forward to integrating into REDW and contributing to the entrepreneurial spirit that is a driving force of the firm culture.”

“Whether with other firms or in our internal practices, we’re big on collaboration here,” Principal Christina Roderick, who leads REDW’s tax practice from the firm’s Phoenix office, said. “Coming up on REDW’s 70th anniversary in 2023, we plan to continue evolving the way we practice and nurture expansion. We want to make sure mid-market businesses can benefit from trusted expertise that will help them tap into game-changing growth.”

“We know this is a significant transaction in the Phoenix market,” said REDW Managing Principal Steve Cogan. “As we see M&A activity nationwide to be quite active, this union speaks to REDW’s commitment to remain a relevant, independent firm. We’re thrilled to be aligning with like-minded firms that are driven by a desire to respond quickly to market conditions and, ultimately, help clients achieve their financial and business goals.”