Private equity investment firm Flexpoint Ford, which specialises in the financial services sector, has made a strategic growth investment in Elliott Davis, a top 50 US accounting and advisory firm.
The partnership will accelerate the firm’s growth, expand its service offerings and geographic reach, and enhance its ability to attract and retain top talent – all in support of its mission to deliver exceptional service to clients and team members. Existing shareholders will remain significant owners in the firm.
As part of this new chapter, John Otten has been named Chief Executive Officer effective 1 July, 2025. Otten, who has held several leadership roles over his 28-year tenure at Elliott Davis, succeeds Rick Davis, who led the firm for more than 18 years and will transition to an advisory role.
This planned leadership succession reflects the firm’s commitment to leadership continuity and long-term strategic alignment.
Under the new structure, Elliott Davis will operate in an alternative practice structure. Attest services will continue to be provided by Elliott Davis, a licensed CPA firm. Business advisory and non-attest services will be delivered by Elliott Davis Advisory, which will operate as a separate entity and will not be a licensed CPA firm.
Guggenheim Securities and Koltin Consulting Group advised Elliott Davis, and Nelson Mullins Riley & Scarborough and Vedder Price P.C. served as legal counsel to Elliott Davis. William Blair & Company advised Flexpoint Ford, and Simpson Thacher & Bartlett and Hunton Andrews Kurth served as legal counsel to Flexpoint Ford.
