Aprio acquires Phoenix-based Price Kong to expand into cannabis and Arizona

What's the deal? Aprio, a professional services firm, has acquired Price Kong, a Phoenix-based accounting and advisory firm. The deal gives Aprio deeper expertise in the cannabis industry and a stronger footprint in Arizona.

Price Kong brings established cannabis sector experience to Aprio's portfolio — a niche but growing area of advisory work as more US states legalise marijuana.

Why now? The accounting and advisory industry is in a consolidation wave, with larger firms snapping up regional players to broaden their geographic reach and sector expertise. Arizona's growing economy and the expanding legal cannabis market make Price Kong a strategic fit for Aprio's growth ambitions.

What could go wrong? Cannabis remains federally illegal in the US, creating regulatory uncertainty for firms that serve the industry. Integration challenges — merging cultures, systems, and client relationships — are also a perennial risk in professional services M&A.

The signal: This deal reflects two converging trends: rapid consolidation among mid-market accounting firms and the mainstreaming of cannabis as a legitimate business sector. As legalisation spreads and cannabis companies mature, demand for specialised advisory services is rising — and firms like Aprio are positioning early to capture that market.

Read more: prnewswire.com