Leelyn Smith acquires Chicagoland accountancy Grebe & Associates

Leelyn Smith Tax, a Geneva, IL-headquartered tax and wealth advisory firm, has acquired Grebe & Associates, a Wheaton, IL-based accountancy.

Grebe provides accounting, tax, and consulting services to businesses and individuals. The company’s roots date back to 1991, when John Grebe took over an accounting firm and subsequently renamed it Grebe & Associates in 1998.

As part of the transaction, eight Grebe employees will join Leelyn Smith. The deal will add a fourth location to Leelyn Smith’s footprint in the Chicago suburbs, joining offices in Geneva, Joliet, and Oak Brook. The firm also has a Chicago office.

Grebe’s tax and consulting services will strengthen Leelyn Smith’s wealth management, tax, and family office practices.

“Grebe brings accounting expertise that will benefit our entire client base, especially business owners and families with complex accounting and tax needs,” said Zach Gordon, director of tax services at Leelyn Smith.

Founded in 1968, Leelyn Smith has 18 employees listed on LinkedIn. The SEC-registered investment advisor provides services across financial planning, investment management, tax planning and preparation, bookkeeping and payroll services, debt structure and analysis, estate planning, and legacy planning. Leelyn Smith works with individuals, families, and businesses across industries.

“Very early in our discussions, I knew we were aligned with Leelyn Smith in all the right areas,” said John Grebe, president of Grebe. “From the way they build relationships with their clients to the depth of their tax advisory expertise to the close-knit culture among their team, our combined firms will be a great new home for clients.”