Professional Services Acquisitions in Illinois
Illinois Professional Services Deal Themes
Illinois professional services acquisitions in recent years span everything from association and advisory services to insurance brokerage, investigative agencies, and technology-enabled consulting. Deals on this page cluster around transactions that add capabilities (research, governance, event platforms, managed services) and expand service reach within the state and broader Midwest.
Buyer activity shows both strategic operators and investment-backed platforms. Names recurring across the page include Sikich, Berkshire Partners, Funds managed by Neuberger Berman, Trilantic North America, and deal participants such as Safety Controls Technology, Inc. and Sinofaith IP Group—along with add-on style moves like expanding local presence and deepening cross-selling.
Taken together, the transactions reflect common consolidation patterns in professional services: take-private activity, growth investments, and acquisitions intended to strengthen delivery platforms through people, specialized advisory expertise, and technology or training offerings.
What Stands Out
- Association and advisory services feature capability expansion, including research, strategy, and transformation services combined with association management and education/event platforms.
- Technology and managed services appear through NetSuite/ERP capability strengthens, with a focus on implementation expertise and recurring service delivery.
- Insurance and risk-related services include broker and agency acquisitions that expand practices (including private client focus) and Midwest footprint.
- Add-ons and local presence recur, such as acquisitions designed to deepen regional coverage and integrate teams and customer relationships into a broader platform.
- Private equity and strategic consortiums are active, including take-private and platform-building activity involving multi-investor groups.
-
March 6, 2026
- Buyer
- Smithbucklin
- Target
- McKinley Advisors
- Industry
- Professional Services
- Location
- Illinois, United States
- Type
- Buyout
Smithbucklin has acquired McKinley Advisors, an association consultancy focused on research, strategy, governance, and business transformation. The deal combines McKinley’s research-based advisory capabilities with Smithbucklin’s association management, education, and event services platform, supported by 360 Live Media.
-
- Buyer
- Advent International, Corvex Private Equity, Salem Capital Management, Mousse Partners, TF Cornerstone, HighSage Ventures, Barcliff Partners
- Target
- Heidrick & Struggles International, Inc.
- Industry
- Professional Services
- Location
- Illinois, United States
- Type
- Buyout
Heidrick & Struggles International has completed its previously announced take-private transaction valued at approximately $1.3 billion. A consortium led by Advent International and Corvex Private Equity, supported by strategic investors and Heidrick leaders/family offices, acquired all outstanding shares, and Heidrick ceased trading on Nasdaq.
-
October 28, 2025
- Buyer
- EPIC Insurance Brokers & Consultants
- Target
- Price Insurance
- Industry
- Professional Services
- Location
- Illinois, United States
- Type
- Buyout
EPIC Insurance Brokers & Consultants has acquired Price Insurance, a fourth-generation independent insurance agency based in Lake Forest, Illinois. The acquisition expands EPIC's Private Client practice and Midwest presence by adding Price Insurance's team and capabilities serving high-net-worth families and local businesses.
-
October 27, 2025
- Buyer
- Front Porch Communities and Services
- Target
- ARCH (ARCH Consultants)
- Industry
- Professional Services
- Location
- Illinois, United States
- Type
- Buyout
Front Porch Communities and Services has acquired ARCH (ARCH Consultants) to serve as its in-house development advisory company. ARCH will manage Front Porch's capital projects and continue supporting external clients on senior living, learning and healing environment developments, centralizing development capabilities to maximize impact of Front Porch's capital investments.
-
October 20, 2025
- Buyer
- Armanino
- Target
- Keystone Business Services
- Industry
- Professional Services
- Location
- Illinois, United States
- Type
- Buyout
Armanino announced that the team from Keystone Business Services, an Oracle NetSuite Solution Provider led by founder Eric Jozwiak, has joined the firm to strengthen Armanino's NetSuite and ERP capabilities. The move integrates Keystone's NetSuite implementation and managed-services expertise—with experience in manufacturing, distribution and food & beverage—into Armanino's broader consulting, advisory and technology offerings.
-
- Buyer
- Integrum Holdings LP
- Target
- Stout
- Seller
- Audax Private Equity
- Industry
- Professional Services
- Location
- Illinois, United States
- Type
- Buyout
Integrum Holdings LP entered into a strategic partnership in which it will invest alongside Stout’s employee shareholders, with the transaction expected to close in the third quarter of 2025. Audax Private Equity, which previously invested in Stout in 2021, completed its exit when Integrum acquired Stout on July 16, 2025.
-
- Buyer
- Security 101, Gemspring Capital
- Target
- Chicago Security Integrators
- Seller
- Brent Sherman
- Industry
- Professional Services
- Location
- Illinois, United States
- Type
- Addon
Security 101, a Gemspring Capital portfolio company based in West Palm Beach, Florida, acquired Chicago Security Integrators (CSI), a franchise established in 2020 that serves the Chicago market. The add-on expands Security 101’s local presence and service capabilities in the greater Chicago area while integrating CSI’s team and customer relationships into the Security 101 platform.
-
July 9, 2024
- Buyer
- Command Investigations LLC, Monument MicroCap Partners, LLC
- Target
- Abacus Research Inc.
- Industry
- Professional Services
- Location
- Illinois, United States
- Type
- Addon
Command Investigations LLC, a portfolio company of Monument MicroCap Partners, completed the acquisition of Abacus Research Inc., a full-service investigative agency based in Plainfield, Illinois. The deal is Command's sixth add-on since its 2019 recapitalization by Monument and is intended to expand geographic coverage, deepen capabilities, and accelerate cross-selling across insurance and corporate clients.
-
- Buyer
- Bain Capital, Bain Capital Special Situations, Bain Capital Credit
- Target
- Sikich LLC
- Industry
- Professional Services
- Location
- Illinois, United States
- Type
- Growth capital
Sikich LLC has received a $250 million minority growth investment from Bain Capital (via Bain Capital Special Situations and Bain Capital Credit). Sikich will maintain majority control and its existing management team as it uses the capital to accelerate growth, pursue acquisitions and enhance operational capabilities.
-
December 20, 2023
- Buyer
- Aon plc
- Target
- NFP
- Seller
- Madison Dearborn Partners (MDP), HPS Investment Partners
- Industry
- Professional Services
- Location
- Illinois, United States
- Type
- Buyout
Aon plc signed a definitive agreement to acquire NFP, a middle-market property & casualty broker and benefits/wealth/retirement plan advisory firm, for an estimated $13.4 billion at closing. The deal is expected to be funded with $7 billion in cash and $6.4 billion in Aon stock and will expand Aon’s presence in the large and fast-growing middle-market segment.
-
October 2, 2023
- Buyer
- Imparta, The Capability Group
- Target
- VantagePoint Performance
- Industry
- Professional Services
- Location
- Illinois, United States
- Type
- Buyout
Imparta, owned by The Capability Group, has acquired the business of US-based sales training firm VantagePoint Performance. Imparta will integrate VantagePoint's research-based sales agility content into its modular sales curriculum and Training as a Service (TaaS) offering to expand capabilities and strengthen its presence in the US.
-
- Buyer
- Safety Controls Technology, Inc., ScaleCo Capital
- Target
- Global Safety Group, Inc.
- Industry
- Professional Services
- Location
- Illinois, United States
- Type
- Addon
Safety Controls Technology (a ScaleCo Fund IV portfolio company) acquired Global Safety Group, Inc. on August 3, 2023. The deal brings Global Safety founder Jason Stearman into SCT as Vice President of Safety and Environmental Services and establishes a new SCT office in Biloxi, Mississippi to expand the platform's geographic footprint and EHS capabilities.
-
April 18, 2023
- Buyer
- Lessen
- Target
- Blue Skyre IBE
- Industry
- Professional Services
- Location
- Illinois, United States
- Type
- Buyout
Lessen, a tech-enabled property services provider, has acquired Blue Skyre IBE, a Chicago-based global facilities management and ESG solutions provider. The acquisition brings Blue Skyre IBE's leadership and ESG/facilities expertise into Lessen's platform to expand its commercial and residential facilities management capabilities and integrated technology offerings.
-
- Buyer
- EagleTree Capital
- Target
- PRA
- Seller
- CI Capital Partners
- Industry
- Professional Services
- Location
- Illinois, United States
- Type
- Buyout
EagleTree Capital has acquired PRA, a Chicago-based leader in business event management, from CI Capital Partners. The PRA management team will remain in place and EagleTree said it will invest to expand PRA's market-leading event design, production and digital engagement capabilities; terms were not disclosed.
-
December 8, 2022
- Buyer
- Sikich
- Target
- Vonya Global LLC
- Industry
- Professional Services
- Location
- Illinois, United States
- Type
- Buyout
Sikich has signed a definitive agreement to acquire Vonya Global LLC, a Chicago-based consulting firm specializing in internal audit, corporate governance and risk and compliance services. The deal brings more than 20 Vonya subject-matter experts (including three partners) into Sikich's downtown Chicago office to expand the firm's capabilities and presence in the Chicago market.
-
November 17, 2022
- Buyer
- Sikich
- Target
- Accelerated Growth
- Industry
- Professional Services
- Location
- Illinois, United States
- Type
- Buyout
Sikich has signed a definitive agreement to acquire Accelerated Growth, a Chicago-based accounting, finance and technology consulting firm. Approximately 120 Accelerated Growth employees (50 in the U.S. and 70 in India) will join Sikich, expanding Sikich's outsourced accounting capabilities and international presence in India.
-
September 19, 2022
- Buyer
- Protos Security, Southfield Capital
- Target
- Blue Star Security
- Industry
- Professional Services
- Location
- Illinois, United States
- Type
- Addon
Protos Security, a portfolio company of Southfield Capital, has acquired Blue Star Security, a Chicago-based provider of off-duty and retired law enforcement officers. The add-on expands Protos' off-duty police offering and Midwest footprint; the transaction closed on September 19, 2022.
-
- Buyer
- RFE Investment Partners
- Target
- Sales Empowerment Group
- Industry
- Professional Services
- Location
- Illinois, United States
- Type
- Recapitalization
RFE Investment Partners completed a recapitalization investment in Sales Empowerment Group (SEG), a Chicago-based provider of outsourced sales and marketing services. SEG’s founder and existing management team will remain significant owners as the company uses the capital and RFE’s resources to accelerate growth and expand its sales and marketing capabilities.
-
- Buyer
- Forward Solutions, Osceola Capital
- Target
- Utility Sales Associates
- Industry
- Professional Services
- Location
- Illinois, United States
- Type
- Addon
Forward Solutions, a portfolio company of Osceola Capital, has acquired Utility Sales Associates, a Chicago-based provider of outsourced sales services for utilities and telecommunications equipment manufacturers. The deal expands Forward Solutions' coverage into the utility and telecom sectors and strengthens its Central U.S. geographic footprint; Utility Sales Associates will operate as a standalone go-to-market brand within the Forward Solutions portfolio.
-
July 13, 2022
- Buyer
- SWBC
- Target
- AnyHour Solutions
- Industry
- Professional Services
- Location
- Illinois, United States
- Type
- Buyout
San Antonio-based financial services firm SWBC has acquired AnyHour Solutions, a Rockford, Illinois-based provider of 24/7 call/contact center outsourcing services for credit unions, banks and mortgage organizations. The acquisition expands SWBC’s contact center and loan-servicing capabilities and transitions all AnyHour employees to SWBC, with AnyHour President Andy Hardin joining SWBC as SVP of Operations.
-
March 15, 2022
- Buyer
- Banko Design
- Target
- Eleni Interiors
- Seller
- Helen Velas
- Industry
- Professional Services
- Location
- Illinois, United States
- Type
- Addon
Banko Design has acquired Eleni Interiors, a Chicago-area commercial interior design and procurement studio, and will operate it as Eleni Interiors – A BD Studio. The deal expands Banko Design's BD Studio collection and regional footprint while providing succession for founder Helen Velas, who is retiring to pursue nonprofit work.
-
January 4, 2022
- Buyer
- Trilantic North America, Funds managed by Neuberger Berman
- Target
- Addison Group
- Seller
- Odyssey Investment Partners
- Industry
- Professional Services
- Location
- Illinois, United States
- Type
- Recapitalization
Trilantic North America has made a new capital investment in Addison Group, joined by a group of co-investors that includes funds managed by Neuberger Berman, in a recapitalization that enables continued expansion. Odyssey Investment Partners will exit its investment; the new capital is intended to support Addison’s organic growth and strategic acquisitions across its professional services and talent solutions business.
-
- Buyer
- Iron Creek Partners LLC, Main Street Capital Corporation, MBI management team
- Target
- Midwest Backgrounds, Inc. (MBI Worldwide)
- Industry
- Professional Services
- Location
- Illinois, United States
- Type
- Recapitalization
Iron Creek Partners led a recapitalization of Midwest Backgrounds, Inc. (MBI Worldwide) in a transaction that closed in September 2021, with participation from MBI's management team and Main Street Capital Corporation. The investment provides growth capital to support MBI's expansion of its employment background screening and consumer reporting services; financial terms were not disclosed.
-
December 2, 2021
- Buyer
- Further Global Capital Management
- Target
- E78 Partners
- Seller
- Existing shareholders (including E78 management and employees)
- Industry
- Professional Services
- Location
- Illinois, United States
- Type
- Growth capital
Funds advised by Further Global Capital Management have made a growth investment in E78 Partners, a Chicago-based provider of finance, accounting and technology solutions to the private capital industry. The investment will provide capital to accelerate E78's growth, expand its service offering and geographic footprint and support its M&A strategy; E78 management and employees will retain meaningful equity stakes.
-
October 28, 2021
- Buyer
- Audax Private Equity
- Target
- Stout (Stout Risius Ross)
- Seller
- Existing Stout shareholders (employee shareholders)
- Industry
- Professional Services
- Location
- Illinois, United States
- Type
- Growth capital
Audax Private Equity has agreed to make a minority growth investment in Stout alongside the firm’s employee shareholders, with existing shareholders retaining a meaningful equity stake and management continuing to lead. The capital will support Stout’s future growth initiatives, including pursuing strategic add-on acquisitions; the transaction was expected to close in Q4 2021.
-
October 12, 2021
- Buyer
- BDO USA, LLP
- Target
- Lowery Asset Consulting, LLC, BDO Wealth Advisors, LLC
- Industry
- Professional Services
- Location
- Illinois, United States
- Type
- Addon
BDO USA, LLP announced the addition of eight professionals from Lowery Asset Consulting, LLC, a Chicago-based employee-owned investment consulting firm. The combination is expected to be completed on or about October 16, subject to customary closing conditions, and will expand BDO Wealth Advisors, LLC’s wealth and investment advisory capabilities.
-
October 12, 2021
- Buyer
- Chatham Asset Management, LLC
- Target
- R.R. Donnelley & Sons Company
- Industry
- Professional Services
- Location
- Illinois, United States
- Type
- Buyout
Chatham Asset Management, LLC (affiliates) completed the acquisition of R.R. Donnelley & Sons Company (RRD) for $10.85 per share in cash. The deal was previously announced in December 2021 and approved by RRD stockholders in February 2022, after which RRD’s NYSE listing was set to cease.
-
September 21, 2021
- Buyer
- Palladium Equity Partners, LLC
- Target
- Envoy Global
- Industry
- Professional Services
- Location
- Illinois, United States
- Type
- Buyout
Palladium Equity Partners has invested in Envoy Global, a tech-enabled immigration services provider, in a private equity round alongside existing shareholders. Catalyst Investors and General Catalyst will retain minority equity stakes; transaction terms were not disclosed. The capital will support Envoy's growth and expansion of its technology-enabled immigration solutions and customer acquisition.
-
- Buyer
- Quatrro Business Support Services, VSS Capital Partners, Trivest Partners
- Target
- EAB Solutions Inc.
- Industry
- Professional Services
- Location
- Illinois, United States
- Type
- Addon
Quatrro Business Support Services, a portfolio company backed by VSS Capital Partners and Trivest Partners, has completed the acquisition of Chicago-based EAB Solutions Inc., a provider of outsourced finance, accounting and HR services to not-for-profit organizations. The add-on expands Quatrro's capabilities in the NFP sector and strengthens its presence in the Chicago market; financial terms were not disclosed and EAB's leadership will join QBSS' NFP management team.
-
March 8, 2021
- Buyer
- vipHomeLink
- Target
- My Home Expert
- Industry
- Professional Services
- Location
- Illinois, United States
- Type
- Buyout
vipHomeLink, a Morristown, New Jersey–based digital home management and insurTech platform, has acquired My Home Expert, a Chicago-based preventative home maintenance company founded in 2016. The acquisition will integrate My Home Expert’s virtual annual home checkups and preventative maintenance services into vipHomeLink’s platform to expand homeowner offerings and provide additional value to insurance partners.
-
December 16, 2020
- Buyer
- Securitas AB, Securitas Electronic Security, Inc.
- Target
- FE Moran Security Solutions
- Industry
- Professional Services
- Location
- Illinois, United States
- Type
- Buyout
Securitas AB has acquired FE Moran Security Solutions for approximately USD 82 million, strengthening Securitas' electronic security capabilities and density in the U.S. Midwest. FE Moran provides electronic security systems integration, installation, maintenance and UL-listed alarm monitoring with a sizeable recurring monthly revenue base; the deal is expected to be accretive and consolidated into Securitas from December 16, 2020.
-
- Buyer
- Berkshire Partners
- Target
- FoodChain ID
- Seller
- Paine Schwartz Partners
- Industry
- Professional Services
- Location
- Illinois, United States
- Type
- Recapitalization
Berkshire Partners has completed a recapitalization of FoodChain ID, acquiring the company from Paine Schwartz Partners. The transaction positions FoodChain ID to pursue its next phase of growth — including strategic add-on acquisitions and expanded global food safety, testing and sustainability offerings.
-
December 2, 2020
- Buyer
- Sedgwick
- Target
- Stericycle's Expert Solutions service line
- Seller
- Stericycle
- Industry
- Professional Services
- Location
- Illinois, United States
- Type
- Divestiture
Sedgwick has acquired Stericycle's Expert Solutions service line, bringing market-leading recall, remediation and retention capabilities in-house. The acquisition adds more than 300 employees across the U.S., Canada and Europe and expands Sedgwick's integrated offerings for clients in automotive, food & beverage, medical devices, retail, pharmaceuticals and consumer products sectors.
-
September 29, 2020
- Buyer
- Agility Recovery
- Target
- Recovery Solutions
- Industry
- Professional Services
- Location
- Illinois, United States
- Type
- Addon
Agility Recovery, a portfolio company of LLR Partners, has acquired Chicago-based Recovery Solutions, a provider of FFIEC-compliant business continuity and recovery services for banks and credit unions. The deal expands Agility’s industry-specific capabilities by adding audit-ready compliance testing, technical integrations with core processors, and mobile banking recovery units; Recovery Solutions’ CEO Rick Lavin will join Agility to support the transition.
-
May 6, 2020
- Buyer
- Cadre
- Target
- Executive Travel Directors
- Industry
- Professional Services
- Location
- Illinois, United States
- Type
- Buyout
Cadre, a virtual marketplace for event freelancers, has acquired Executive Travel Directors (ETD), a long-established corporate event staffing and on-site logistics services provider. The combined business will operate under the Cadre name, pairing Cadre’s technology platform with ETD’s registry of experienced freelance event professionals to expand capabilities and scale event staffing globally.
-
April 16, 2020
- Buyer
- Bow River Capital, Sinofaith IP Group
- Target
- Ocean Tomo
- Industry
- Professional Services
- Location
- Illinois, United States
- Type
- Recapitalization
Bow River Capital completed a recapitalization of Ocean Tomo, taking a meaningful investment while Ocean Tomo's existing equity owners retain a significant stake. Sinofaith IP Group also increased its prior investment; the capital will support Ocean Tomo's expansion from IP-only services to broader IP-driven valuation, investment banking offerings and follow-on acquisitions.
-
October 15, 2019
- Buyer
- Clarion Capital Partners, LLC
- Target
- Harris & Harris, Ltd.
- Industry
- Professional Services
- Location
- Illinois, United States
- Type
- Growth capital
Clarion Capital Partners completed an investment in Harris & Harris, a Chicago-based accounts receivable management and customer care firm. The company's CEO Arnie Harris and COO David Harris will retain meaningful ownership and continue in their roles; Clarion intends to support investments in employees, compliance, and technology and will pursue M&A to expand the business geographically and add new services.
-
September 26, 2019
- Buyer
- Patrol Protect and Secure (PPS), Mangrove Equity Partners, Sunlake Capital
- Target
- American Heritage Protection Services (AHPS)
- Industry
- Professional Services
- Location
- Illinois, United States
- Type
- Addon
Patrol Protect and Secure (PPS), a security platform formed by Mangrove Equity Partners and Sunlake Capital, has acquired American Heritage Protection Services (AHPS), an Illinois-based provider of armed and unarmed security guard services. The deal is an add-on acquisition to expand PPS's scale and geographic footprint, strengthening its capabilities serving utility companies and healthcare facilities.
-
- Buyer
- Guidehouse, Veritas Capital
- Target
- Navigant Consulting, Inc.
- Seller
- Navigant shareholders
- Industry
- Professional Services
- Location
- Illinois, United States
- Type
- Buyout
Guidehouse, a Veritas Capital portfolio company, agreed to acquire Navigant Consulting, Inc. for approximately $1.1 billion in cash ($28.00 per share). The deal combines Guidehouse's public-sector consulting strengths with Navigant's commercial expertise across healthcare, energy and financial services to create a global consultancy with expanded scale and capabilities.
-
July 10, 2019
- Buyer
- Keystone Partners, Silver Oak Services Partners LLC
- Target
- Kensington International, Inc.
- Seller
- Kensington International, Inc.
- Industry
- Professional Services
- Location
- Illinois, United States
- Type
- Addon
Keystone Partners, a portfolio company of Silver Oak Services Partners, acquired the career transition and leadership development business operations from Chicago-based Kensington International, Inc. The add-on expands Keystone's presence and capabilities in the greater Chicago market and integrates Kensington's high-touch outplacement, executive coaching and talent assessment services into Keystone's platform.
-
March 22, 2017
- Buyer
- Blackford Capital
- Target
- Snowhite Textile and Furnishings, Inc. (Snowhite Hospitality)
- Industry
- Professional Services
- Location
- Illinois, United States
- Type
- Buyout
Blackford Capital, a Grand Rapids-based private equity firm, announced its investment in Addison, Illinois-based Snowhite Textile and Furnishings (Snowhite Hospitality). The transaction (debt financed by West Suburban Bank) brings in industry veteran Greg Kadens as CEO while founder Dick Kapadia remains involved; Blackford intends to grow Snowhite's FF&E design, procurement, and project management capabilities for the hospitality market.
-
January 14, 2016
- Buyer
- SmithBucklin
- Target
- SDI
- Industry
- Professional Services
- Location
- Illinois, United States
- Type
- Buyout
SmithBucklin has acquired SDI, a Chicago-based incentive travel, strategic meetings and special events firm. SDI will operate as a wholly owned subsidiary out of SmithBucklin’s Chicago office with SDI founder Scott Dillion remaining as President, enhancing SmithBucklin’s corporate event-planning capabilities and incentive travel expertise.
Track M&A activity that matters to you
Get real-time deal alerts, build buyer lists with AI, and access our full acquisition database. Start your free trial today.
Frequently Asked Questions
What types of professional services deals are most common in Illinois?
The page’s transactions center on association/consulting, insurance brokerage and agencies, investigative services, development advisory for senior living, and technology-enabled consulting (including ERP/NetSuite).
Are Illinois deals primarily platform build-outs or add-on acquisitions?
Both appear. Some transactions build or expand a platform’s capabilities (e.g., technology or curriculum integration), while others are add-ons intended to extend geographic coverage and integrate teams and customer relationships.
Which recurring buyer names show up across the Illinois transactions?
Recurring names on the page include Sikich, Berkshire Partners, Funds managed by Neuberger Berman, Trilantic North America, and additional listed recurring entities such as ScaleCo Capital and Sinofaith IP Group.
Do any of the transactions involve taking a company private?
Yes. One highlighted transaction covers a take-private of Heidrick & Struggles International, Inc. with a consortium led by Advent International and Corvex Private Equity, supported by strategic investors and Heidrick leadership/family offices.