Atlanta, GA, January 5, 2026
Atlanta’s business scene is set for growth following a merger between Nichols Cauley, Partners Risk Services, and JGH Consulting. This collaboration creates an integrated financial services platform, backed by Madison Dearborn Partners, aimed at delivering comprehensive solutions for privately held businesses and entrepreneurs in the region, marking a significant step in enhancing the Atlanta GA business environment.
Atlanta, a dynamic engine of commerce and entrepreneurship, continues to see significant advancements in its business landscape. A recent strategic merger between Nichols Cauley, Partners Risk Services, and JGH Consulting exemplifies the proactive spirit and innovative drive of Georgia entrepreneurs. This collaboration establishes a new, integrated financial services platform, bolstered by a strategic growth investment from Madison Dearborn Partners. This initiative not only strengthens the Atlanta GA business environment but also highlights the critical role of private capital and strategic alliances in fostering robust economic expansion. It represents a forward-thinking approach to providing comprehensive solutions to privately held businesses and Atlanta small business owners.
Uniting Diverse Expertise for Integrated Solutions
The merger brings together a formidable trio of Georgia-based firms, each contributing specialized expertise to the newly formed platform. Nichols Cauley is an Atlanta-based IPA 200 accounting and advisory firm, known for its comprehensive accounting and advisory services. Partners Risk Services is an insurance brokerage based in Johns Creek, GA. Completing the triumvirate is JGH Consulting, a transactions advisory firm based in Braselton, GA, bringing expertise in strategic transactions. This combination is designed to establish an innovative platform uniting accounting, insurance, and transaction advisory services, creating a “one-stop-shop” approach for clients.
A Strategic Partnership for Growth with Madison Dearborn Partners
Central to this new endeavor is the strategic growth investment from Madison Dearborn Partners (MDP), a leading private equity firm based in Chicago. MDP’s involvement provides not only substantial financial backing but also leverages its extensive industry expertise and broad network to power growth for the combined company. This partnership underscores the significant impact that private investment can have in accelerating expansion and enhancing service capabilities within the private sector, contributing directly to economic growth across the Southeast U.S. and beyond.
A Comprehensive Suite for Entrepreneurs and Businesses
The newly formed integrated financial services platform is specifically tailored to service privately held small and midsize businesses, self-made entrepreneurs, and family-owned companies. The platform aims to offer a comprehensive suite of services including accounting, tax, audit, advisory, insurance, and transaction advisory services. This integrated approach is designed to provide sophisticated business solutions that are both accessible and meaningful, breaking from traditional service models to equip business owners with integrated advice at every stage of their journey.
Experienced Leadership for a New Era
The leadership of the combined enterprise will be spearheaded by Alan Whitman, appointed as CEO. Whitman, formerly CEO and chairman of Baker Tilly US, brings considerable experience to the role. The operational leadership will maintain continuity from the merging firms: Todd Giddens, previously Managing Partner of Nichols Cauley, will serve as Chief Operating Officer. Joe Thompson, CEO of Partners Risk Services, will lead risk management and insurance services, and Greg Hicks, Managing Partner of JGH Consulting, will lead transaction advisory services, also referred to as corporate finance services. This experienced team is poised to drive the new platform’s mission to deliver unified services.
Impact on the Regional Business Landscape
This transformative merger and strategic partnership are set to significantly enhance the business services landscape, not just in Atlanta but across the Southeast U.S.. By creating a single, integrated platform offering a broad range of critical business functions, the combined entity is positioned to streamline operations and provide greater value to its clients. Such private sector initiatives foster a competitive environment that encourages innovation and ultimately benefits the entire Atlanta GA business community through improved access to sophisticated services and expertise. The transaction is expected to close in the first quarter of 2026.
The formation of this new financial services platform through the merger of Nichols Cauley, Partners Risk Services, and JGH Consulting, with the support of Madison Dearborn Partners, represents a landmark event for Atlanta’s economic growth and the broader regional business community. It exemplifies the power of entrepreneurial vision, strategic collaboration, and private investment in creating robust, client-focused solutions. This initiative underscores the continued vitality of Georgia entrepreneurs and their commitment to building resilient businesses that contribute significantly to local economies. We encourage residents and business leaders to recognize and support the innovative spirit driving Atlanta’s economic future.
FAQ
- What firms are involved in the merger?
Nichols Cauley, Partners Risk Services, and JGH Consulting are involved in the merger. - What kind of firm is Nichols Cauley?
Nichols Cauley is an Atlanta-based IPA 200 accounting and advisory firm. It is also a Georgia-based accounting and advisory firm. - What kind of firm is Partners Risk Services?
Partners Risk Services is an insurance brokerage based in Johns Creek, GA. - What kind of firm is JGH Consulting?
JGH Consulting is a transactions advisory firm based in Braselton, GA. - What kind of platform is being established?
An innovative platform uniting accounting, insurance, and transaction advisory services is being established. It creates a “one-stop-shop” platform offering accounting, tax, audit, insurance and transaction advisory services. - Who is partnering with these firms?
Madison Dearborn Partners (MDP), a leading private equity firm based in Chicago, is partnering with these firms. - Who will lead the new combined company as CEO?
Alan Whitman has been appointed as CEO of the combined enterprise. - When is the transaction expected to close?
The transaction is expected to close in the first quarter of 2026. - What is the geographic scope of services for the new platform?
The mission of the new platform is to deliver a unified service offering to clients across the Southeast U.S. and beyond.
Key Features of the New Platform
| Feature | Description | Scope |
|---|---|---|
| Merging Firms | Nichols Cauley, Partners Risk Services, JGH Consulting | State-level (Georgia-based for all) |
| Nichols Cauley Profile | Atlanta-based IPA 200 accounting and advisory firm | Local (Atlanta), State-level (Georgia-based) |
| Partners Risk Services Profile | Insurance brokerage based in Johns Creek, GA | Local (Johns Creek, GA) |
| JGH Consulting Profile | Transactions advisory firm based in Braselton, GA | Local (Braselton, GA) |
| Strategic Partner | Madison Dearborn Partners (MDP), a leading private equity firm | Nationwide (Chicago-based) |
| Platform Services | Accounting, tax, audit, advisory, insurance, and transaction advisory services | Service Offering |
| Target Clients | Privately held small and midsize businesses, self-made entrepreneurs, and family-owned companies | Client Focus |
| CEO | Alan Whitman | Leadership |
| COO | Todd Giddens (formerly Managing Partner of Nichols Cauley) | Leadership |
| Head of Risk Management and Insurance | Joe Thompson (CEO of Partners Risk Services) | Leadership |
| Head of Transaction Advisory/Corporate Finance | Greg Hicks (Managing Partner of JGH Consulting) | Leadership |
| Anticipated Close | First quarter of 2026 | Timeline |
| Geographic Reach | Southeast U.S. and beyond | Regional/Beyond |
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Author: STAFF HERE ATLANTA WRITER
The ATLANTA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAtlanta.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Atlanta, Fulton County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as vibrant music festivals like Shaky Knees and Music Midtown, major cultural celebrations including Dragon Con and the Atlanta Film Festival, and iconic sporting events like the Peachtree Road Race. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce and the Atlanta Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in logistics, beverages, and retail that power the local economy such as Delta Air Lines, The Coca-Cola Company, and The Home Depot. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAugusta.com and HERESavannah.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Georgia's dynamic landscape.
