Investing in one of the United States’ fastest growing professional services firms – Forrest Wilkinson dives into the Apax Funds’ investment in CohnReznick to drive growth and strengthen its position as a market leader

Forrest Wilkinson
Principal, Apax
In February 2025, the Apax Funds announced their investment in CohnReznick, one of the leading advisory, assurance, and tax firms in the United States.
Forrest Wilkinson, a Principal in the services team delves into what drew the Apax Funds to CohnReznick and plans for future value creation.
What does CohnReznick do?
“CohnReznick is one of the largest audit, tax, and advisory firms focused on the U.S. mid-market. It works with a wide range of clients but is especially strong in sectors like real estate, financial services, hospitality, and manufacturing. What really makes the CohnReznick team stand out is their mix of deep industry expertise and practical advice - they help businesses tackle challenges, reach their goals, and keep pace with an ever-changing market.
What attracted the Apax Funds to invest in CohnReznick?
“CohnReznick stood out as one of the fastest-growing professional services firms in the U.S., with a strong national presence, over 5,000 employees globally, and 29 offices across the country. Over the past two years, the Apax team built a close relationship with CohnReznick’s leadership and were consistently impressed - not just by the firm’s above-market organic growth, but also by its strong culture, clear strategic vision, and long-term ambition. That combination made it a compelling investment opportunity for the Apax Funds.”
How will the Funds partner with CohnReznick to deliver value?
“The Apax Funds bring deep experience in helping complex businesses scale and operate more efficiently. With CohnReznick, the focus will be on supporting the firm as it invests in top talent and executes its targeted acquisition strategy. The goal is to help strengthen its capabilities, expand its service lines, explore new markets, and drive innovation - all while keeping the firm on its strong growth path.”
What is your outlook for the professional services sector?
“We’re optimistic about the future of the professional services space - especially in the mid-market segment. It’s a growing, still-fragmented part of the market that presents a lot of opportunity. We’ve recently backed two fantastic firms in the U.S. and UK, and both are well-positioned to take advantage of that growth. As the business landscape becomes more complex, companies are increasingly turning to specialized, expert-led firms like CohnReznick. We see that trend continuing, with strong demand for tailored advice, deep industry knowledge, and trusted partnerships.
Company

Investment year
2025
Sector
Services
Deal status
Current