Whitley Penn Keeps Buying Firms and Dallas Is the Latest Stop

Another regional accounting firm just got bigger.

Whitley Penn announced it is acquiring Dallas based Toombs, Hall & Foster, with the deal effective January 1, 2026. It is the latest sign that Texas firms are bulking up to compete beyond tax and audit.

What Whitley Penn Is Adding

Toombs, Hall & Foster has been around since 1983 and built its reputation in tax, accounting, and management advisory services. The firm serves a mix of businesses and professional clients across North Texas.

By folding the team into Whitley Penn, the firm strengthens its Dallas footprint and adds more senior capacity in client advisory work, not just compliance.

The Bigger Pattern

This deal fits a clear trend.

Whitley Penn has been active on multiple fronts over the past few years, including acquisitions, analytics expansion, and consulting growth. The firm also recently announced new partner promotions for 2026, signaling continued investment in scale and leadership.

Regional firms are no longer trying to stay “mid sized.” They are building platforms that can compete with national firms on advisory depth, industry expertise, and client experience.

What Clients Should Expect

The firms say the focus remains on continuity. Clients keep their existing relationships while gaining access to a broader bench across tax, accounting, and advisory.

Specific details on headcount changes or client transitions were not disclosed, but the message is clear. This is about expanding capability, not disrupting service.

Why This Matters

Texas continues to be one of the most competitive accounting markets in the country. Deals like this show that growth is coming from consolidation and specialization, not just organic hiring.

Expect more regional firms to follow the same playbook in 2026. Bigger platforms, deeper advisory, and fewer standalone firms left on the sidelines.