Meridian Capital Team Joins CLA, Expanding Investment Banking Services

Seattle-based firm further builds on CLA's seamless opportunities to help companies grow, raise capital and plan for ownership transitions

SEATTLE, April 1, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- CLA (CliftonLarsonAllen LLP), one of the nation's leading accounting and professional services firms with a growing global presence, today announced that Meridian Capital team members are joining the firm. This strategic expansion, which will go to market as CLA Meridian Capital, is designed to enhance CLA's wealth advisory and investment banking offerings, reinforcing the firm's commitment to supporting clients through every stage of business growth and transition.

The addition of Meridian Capital aligns seamlessly with CLA's industry-focused growth strategy. By combining Meridian's experience in mergers and acquisitions, capital raising, and strategic advisory with CLA's established strength in accounting, tax, consulting, and integrated wealth solutions, the firm now offers an even broader suite of services. This integration enables CLA to provide private business owners and investors with comprehensive support during pivotal financial events, from succession planning and business sales to major capital transactions and long-term growth initiatives.

"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."

With the CLA Meridian Capital team becoming part of CLA's offering, clients will benefit from expanded capabilities, gaining access to a coordinated team with deep industry knowledge and practical M&A experience. The strengthened group will guide business owners through complex decisions, helping them execute transactions with confidence, plan for ownership transitions, and integrate wealth planning into their overall business strategy. The collaborative approach ensures clients receive personalized, end-to-end service tailored to their unique needs and goals.

The Meridian Capital team brings a proven track record of advising family-, founder-, and entrepreneur-owned companies across the middle market, particularly in the industrial, engineering, consumer, and technology sectors, on critical M&A and financial decisions. Their industry-focused expertise complements CLA's focus on serving the heartbeat of the country while broadening the firm's ability to deliver specialized transaction execution and strategic advisory.

"Many of the privately held, middle-market companies we advise are at pivotal points in their growth or ownership transition," said Brian Murphy, CEO and Managing Director of Meridian Capital. "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, who will become managing principal, investment banking for CLA, will serve as the leader of the CLA Meridian Capital team and be responsible for accelerating the growth and expansion of investment banking services within CLA. He will be joined by Patrick Ringland, Meridian's current president, who will also continue in a leadership role. CLA advises companies on accounting, audit, tax, consulting, and wealth management matters, while Meridian Capital specializes in helping businesses raise capital, sell their companies, acquire other businesses, and plan major financial transactions. Together, the firms will offer clients a more complete set of services at critical moments in a company's life, whether that means preparing for growth, securing financing, expanding through acquisitions, or navigating the sale or transition of a business.

About CLA
CLA exists to create opportunities for our clients, our people, and our communities through industry-focused wealth advisory, digital, audit, tax, consulting, and outsourcing services. With nearly 9,300 people, more than 120 locations, and a global vision, we promise to know you and help you. CLA (CliftonLarsonAllen LLP) is an independent network member of CLA Global. See CLAglobal.com/disclaimer. Investment advisory services are offered through CliftonLarsonAllen Wealth Advisors, LLC, an SEC-registered investment advisor.

About Meridian Capital

Meridian Capital LLC is a leading independent middle-market investment bank and M&A advisory firm with locations in Seattle, Portland, Salt Lake City, the Bay Area, Raleigh, and Orange County. Meridian has served as a trusted advisor to business owners on complex corporate finance, M&A and strategic challenges for over 30 years. The firm differentiates itself through its deep industry insights, highly customized service approach, and end-to-end commitment to execution. Meridian has dedicated teams that actively cover multiple sectors including aerospace defense & space, food, beverage & agribusiness, business services, consumer, industrials, engineering & construction, technology, and telecommunications. 

SOURCE CLA (CliftonLarsonAllen LLP)