BIRMINGHAM, AL. – September 8, 2025 – Founders is pleased to announce that Horton, Lee, Burnett, Peacock, Cleveland & Grainger, P.C. (“Horton, Lee & Burnett”) has been acquired by Smith + Howard, a top national tax, accounting, and advisory firm headquartered in Atlanta. Horton, Lee & Burnett, a leading Birmingham-based provider of tax, audit, accounting, and consulting services, will now operate under the Smith + Howard brand. Horton, Lee & Burnett was exclusively advised by principals of Founders Advisors, LLC (“Founders”) in this transaction.

Founded in 1967, Horton, Lee & Burnett has built a reputation for high-quality client service, deep partner expertise, and long-standing relationships across the greater Birmingham area. The firm’s 30 employees, including five partners, serve a diverse base of individuals and businesses, with a strong concentration in the Southeast. Horton, Lee & Burnett’s tax and audit practices represent the majority of its revenue, while the firm also provides tailored accounting and consulting services to support evolving client needs.

Since inception, Horton, Lee & Burnett has distinguished itself through consistent performance, direct partner access, and a powerful referral network. The firm is widely recognized for its high client retention, with many relationships spanning multiple decades.

“We cannot be happier with our decision to engage Founders Advisors to guide us through the process.  The outcome and process exceeded our expectations.  Founders was a true partner with our firm.  They recognized that our firm was looking for a cultural fit as much as anything and they delivered the absolute perfect fit in Smith + Howard.  I would recommend Founders to anyone” commented Brian W. Burnett, Partner, at Horton, Lee & Burnett.

The acquisition marks Smith + Howard’s entry into the Alabama market and further strengthens its footprint across the Southeast. The combined firm is well-positioned to deliver enhanced capabilities in audit, tax, and business advisory services, leveraging shared values of quality, collaboration, and innovation.

“With a 60-year operating legacy, the Horton, Lee & Burnett team built an incredible CPA and accounting services practice with a culture rooted in resilience and long-term relationships,” said Neal England, Managing Director at Founders Advisors and advisor to Horton, Lee & Burnett. Chris Jenkins, Vice President at Founders Advisors, added, “It was a pleasure working with both organizations and we look forward to watching the continued success of Smith + Howard.”

To view the full transaction announcement, please visit: Smith + Howard Expands Southeastern U.S. Presence with Acquisition of Horton, Lee & Burnett.

About Horton Lee

Headquartered in Birmingham, Alabama, Horton, Lee & Burnett is a full-service accounting firm providing tax, audit, accounting, and consulting services. The firm has grown to become a market leader in the greater Birmingham area, serving individuals, private companies, and organizations across a range of industries.

About Smith + Howard

Smith + Howard is a leading national tax, accounting, and advisory firm serving businesses across the United States. With a commitment to excellence, innovation, and client success, the firm offers a full suite of services across tax, audit, advisory, sales and use tax, and wealth management.

About Founders Advisors

Founders is a merger, acquisition, & strategic advisory firm serving middle-market companies. Founders focuses on helping companies across technology, business services, consumer, energy, industrial, and healthcare industries. Founders’ skilled professionals, proven expertise, and process-based solutions help companies access growth capital, pursue acquisitions, and/or prepare for and execute liquidity events to achieve specific financial goals. In order to provide securities-related services discussed herein, certain principals of Founders Advisors, LLC are licensed with Founders M&A Advisory, LLC, member FINRA and SIPC. Founders M&A Advisory, LLC is a wholly owned subsidiary of Founders Advisors, LLC. Founders Advisors, LLC does not provide investment advice. For more information, please visit www.foundersib.com.