Grant Thornton Advisors to Buy CBIZ in $5 Billion Cash Deal
The acquisition combines Grant Thornton's multinational platform with CBIZ's U.S. middle-market presence to scale AI-enabled professional services.
Grant Thornton Advisors LLC (CBZ) agreed to acquire CBIZ, Inc. (CBZ) in an all-cash transaction with an enterprise value of $5 billion.
Under the terms of the agreement, Grant Thornton will pay $55.00 a share in cash. This consideration represents approximately a 54% premium to the 30-day volume-weighted average share price of CBIZ. The transaction is expected to close in the fourth quarter of 2026.
The deal will integrate Grant Thornton Advisors’ multinational platform capabilities with the deep U.S. relationships held by CBIZ. The combined entity intends to offer clients cross-border scale, multidisciplinary capabilities, and AI-enabled technology solutions.
“By combining our multinational platform with CBIZ’s strong market presence, we’re broadening our ability to support businesses through every stage of growth — from early development to global scale,” Jim Peko, chief executive officer of Grant Thornton Advisors LLC and leader of the Grant Thornton Advisors multinational platform, said. “Together, we’ll bring the quality, scope and capabilities clients need to navigate an increasingly complex and rapidly evolving business environment”.
CBIZ operates as a professional services advisor to middle-market businesses across the U.S., employing more than 9,500 team members across 23 major markets. The firm provides expertise in accounting, tax, advisory, benefits, insurance, and technology.
The acquisition follows a period of aggressive expansion for CBIZ, which completed a $2.3 billion cash-and-stock acquisition of the non-attest business of Marcum LLP in November 2024. That deal established CBIZ as a leading full-service professional services advisor in the U.S. and expanded its workforce to over 10,000 members.
The completion of the merger remains subject to approval by CBIZ shareholders, the receipt of required regulatory approvals, and the satisfaction of other customary closing conditions. Upon the close of the transaction, CBIZ will become a private company and its common stock will no longer be listed on the New York Stock Exchange.