By Jorge Mercado Monday, June 2nd, 2025

Glenn Burdette has sold to regional accounting and advisory firm Ascend for an undisclosed amount, the San Luis Obispo-based CPA firm announced on June 1.

Ascend, backed by private equity firm Alpine Investor, and its platform enables regional accounting firms with between $15 and $50 million of revenue. The company was founded two years ago.

Glenn Burdette, along with Florida-based Saltmarsh, Cleaveland & Gund, were the latest to join the platform. In a press release, Ascend noted that adding Glenn Burdette, formerly an employee-owned ESOP, adds a presence in central California to Ascend’s West Coast footprint.

Founded in 1965, Glenn Burdette provides a full spectrum of tax, audit, bookkeeping, business consulting, and financial management services, primarily to middle-market and small owner-managed businesses.

“Partnering with Ascend is the right move at the right time for Glenn Burdette. Their forward-thinking approach and shared values make them a natural fit for our next chapter,” David Merlo, CEO of Glenn Burdette, said. “We chose Ascend because of their strong commitment to reimagining what’s possible — for both our clients and our people. This combination enhances our ability to deliver deeper expertise, broader resources, and more innovative solutions while opening new pathways for growth and development for our employees. We’re excited to build a future together that is greater than anything we could achieve alone.”