Cohen & Company, a Cleveland-based full-service CPA and consulting firm, has announced the opening of their second office in Florida through an acquisition of Mercurio & Bridgford P.A., an accounting firm based in Sarasota.

"Once we made a commitment to the Florida market, it did not take long for other firms to seek us out," said Randy Myeroff, President & CEO.

"We will be able to provide our clients and community with additional services and depth of expertise beyond what we have been doing for the pat 30 years," said John Mercurio, co-founder of Mercurio & Bridgford. John Mercurio and Jon Bridgford had been searching for the right firm to initiate their exit strategy and succession plan. Mercurio & Bridgford P.A. will add 'an affiliate of Cohen & Company,' to their moniker and continue to operate out of the current Sarasota, Florida office.

"We are interested in firms that have long term, meaningful relationships with their clients where we
can enhance the value proposition," said Myeroff. In addition to the wealth of resources Mercurio & Bridgford and their clients now have access to, they will also have the benefit of Cohen & Company’s related company, Sequoia Financial Group, LLC. Sequoia Financial Group is an SEC registered investment advisor offering comprehensive financial planning and wealth management.

Cohen & Company continues searching for new opportunities to enhance their clients’ growth as well as their own. The expansion in the Florida market clearly communicates the firm’s dedication to the region. This acquisition complements their existing client base and gives increased opportunities to find and retain exceptional employees. "We want to focus on a region, but we are not limiting our expansion to Florida," according to Myeroff.

Cohen & Company is a regional CPA firm that works with entrepreneurs and private enterprises to help them reach their goals. In addition to a full range of accounting and tax services, Cohen & Company specializes in a number of advisory services including strategic planning, business valuations, mergers & acquisitions, financing, estate planning and wealth management.

Sequoia Financial Group, LLC is a team-based financial planning firm that provides a wide range of financial planning, estate planning, and asset management services for individuals and corporations. Financial planning offered through Sequoia Financial Advisors, LLC, an SEC registered advisor. The firm operates out of its two offices located in Akron, and Cleveland. Securities offered through ValMark Securities, Inc., Member NASD/SIPC. ValMark and Sequoia are separate entities.