Grant Thornton Advisors has agreed to acquire MCA Connect, a Denver-based consulting and technology firm specialising in manufacturing and distribution operations. MCA Connect, a three-time Microsoft Global Supply Chain Partner of the Year, brings approximately 350 professionals and deep expertise in Microsoft Dynamics 365, Fabric and Azure. The acquisition strengthens Grant Thornton Advisors' AI and technology capabilities within its integrated advisory model. Recent research found 62% of manufacturers are applying AI to operations, yet only 7% have tested incident-response plans for AI-related failures. MCA Connect will operate as MCA Connect, a Grant Thornton US company, following the transaction's expected summer closure. This marks Grant Thornton Advisors' latest expansion following recent acquisitions of Auxis and Stax, supported by New Mountain Capital's June 2024 investment.

Grant Thornton Advisors to expand AI- and technology-led services by acquiring MCA Connect. May 20, 2026 Deal will bring one of Microsoft's leading manufacturing and distribution partners into Grant Thornton Advisors' multinational platform, strengthening end-to-end digital, data and AI capabilities CHICAGO and DENVER - Grant Thornton Advisors LLC (Grant Thornton Advisors) today announced it has signed an agreement to acquire MCA Connect, a leading consulting and technology firm known for helping manufacturing and distribution companies modernize operations, improve data quality and deploy practical digital solutions. Based in Denver, MCA Connect is one of Microsoft's top partners for manufacturing and distribution and a three-time Microsoft Global Supply Chain Partner of the Year. Over the past two decades, the firm has worked alongside clients to address everyday operational challenges, ranging from fragmented systems to inefficient workflows that constrain growth and profitability. Where modern advisory services live. MCA Connect will be part of Grant Thornton Advisors' integrated advisory model, which brings together strategy, technology, transactions, risk, cyber and operations in a single practice. It will go to market as MCA Connect, a Grant Thornton US company. By joining with Grant Thornton Advisors, MCA Connect will dovetail into a unique approach to advisory services that helps clients move from strategy to execution more quickly, particularly in industries facing margin pressure, supply-chain disruption and rising customer expectations. Over the past year, Grant Thornton Advisors has expanded aggressively through acquisitions, including Auxis, a specialist in outsourcing and business modernization, and Stax, a firm focused on commercial due diligence and value creation. Together, those transactions have broadened the firm's ability to support clients across the full lifecycle of transformation. For clients, the addition of MCA Connect deepens Grant Thornton Advisors' technology capabilities and strong footprint in the manufacturing and distribution space at a time when demand for AI-driven solutions is accelerating. Recent Grant Thornton Advisors research found that 62% of manufacturers are applying AI to operational processes, yet many remain early in their governance maturity. Only 7% of survey respondents reported having a tested incident-response plan for AI-related failures, highlighting a growing need for well-governed, enterprise-ready systems. Deep Microsoft expertise. Both firms share a practical approach to AI and technology adoption, emphasizing governed, scalable systems that improve execution, surface risk earlier and operate reliably in regulated environments. MCA Connect brings strong standing within the Microsoft ecosystem, including deep systems-integration experience built on Microsoft Dynamics 365, Fabric and Azure, among other technology and industry-related platforms. Combined with Grant Thornton Advisors' own existing Microsoft ecosystem standing, the acquisition is expected to create a muscular ability to deliver large-scale transformations as well as targeted operational improvements - doing so from early strategy and design through implementation and long-term optimization. Augmenting a multinational footprint. The transaction also supports Grant Thornton Advisors' expanding multinational platform. Over the past 18 months, a group of nearly 20 aligned firms across the Americas, Europe, the Middle East and Asia-Pacific have joined the platform - representing almost 25,000 professionals. In April, Grant Thornton Advisors announced that Grant Thornton Australia is also advancing plans to join the multinational platform. Once that deal closes, the platform will have a footprint of more than 180 offices spanning almost 20 markets, including the United States, Ireland, Australia, Belgium, Brazil, the Cayman Islands, the Channel Islands, Denmark, France, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Poland, Puerto Rico, Spain, Switzerland, and the United Arab Emirates. Grant Thornton Advisors is supported by an investor group led by New Mountain Capital, whose June 2024 investment launched Grant Thornton's aggressive growth strategy. Approximately 350 MCA Connect professionals will become part of Grant Thornton Advisors' Denver presence following the close of the transaction, which is expected over the summer, subject to standard closing conditions. Executive quotes: Jim Peko, CEO of Grant Thornton Advisors LLC and leader of its multinational platform: "MCA Connect brings deep industry expertise and proven technical capabilities in one of the most operationally complex sectors of the economy. Adding those strengths to our multinational platform enhances our ability to help clients modernize how they run their businesses - across borders, industries and time zones." Tom Puthiyamadam, managing partner of Advisory Services for Grant Thornton Advisors LLC: "For our clients, this acquisition means we're closing the gap between ambition and action. MCA Connect brings deep industry knowledge, operational fluency and technical capability. Together, we'll help clients move faster, make better decisions and put technology to work in ways that truly move the needle for their businesses. This is about turning smart ideas into real impact." David Durham, CEO of MCA Connect: "From the start, it was clear that Grant Thornton Advisors shared our values, our client-first mindset and our belief that real transformation comes from connecting strategy to execution. This combination will allow us to scale what makes MCA Connect special: our people, our Microsoft expertise and our delivery discipline - while also expanding the ways we can help clients modernize faster and with greater confidence. This is a really meaningful moment for our team and we cannot wait to embrace the opportunities that it presents." Andre Moura and Nikhil Devulapalli, managing directors at New Mountain Capital: "When New Mountain Capital decided to back Grant Thornton Advisors in 2024, we wanted to help the firm enhance service line capabilities and accelerate its growth trajectory. The firm's deal with MCA Connect proves that's exactly what's happening. Grant Thornton Advisors is adding compelling new offerings, and, at the same time, building on momentum in technology and dramatic cross-border expansion - through its Grant Thornton Advisors multinational platform." About the Grant Thornton Advisors multinational platform The Grant Thornton Advisors multinational platform is a group of firms within the Grant Thornton International Limited network that connects priority markets and operates with aligned standards, technology and delivery expectations. Firms remain locally led and legally separate. The Grant Thornton International Limited network provides access to its member firms in more than 150 global markets. The platform is currently home to almost 20 aligned firms stretching from the Americas across Europe and the Middle East to the Asia-Pacific region. These firms bring together almost 25,000 professionals to deliver cross-border solutions powered by advanced technologies, a shared commitment to quality and a growing reputation as the industry's employer-of-choice. The platform firms operate as separate legal entities. About Grant Thornton Advisors LLC Grant Thornton Advisors LLC provides non-attest offerings, including tax and advisory services. It is one of two specialized entities known collectively as Grant Thornton in the US, alongside Grant Thornton LLP, a licensed, certified public accounting (CPA) firm that provides audit and assurance services. Grant Thornton LLP, Grant Thornton Advisors LLC and their respective subsidiaries operate as an alternative practice structure (APS). The APS conforms with applicable laws, regulations and professional standards, including those from the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants. Grant Thornton LLP is a CPA firm, while Grant Thornton Advisors LLC is not. "Grant Thornton" refers to the brand under which the member firms in the Grant Thornton International Ltd (GTIL) network provide services to their clients and/or refers to one or more member firms. Grant Thornton LLP and Grant Thornton Advisors LLC serve as the U.S. member firms of the GTIL network. GTIL and its member firms are not a worldwide partnership and all member firms are separate legal entities. Member firms deliver all services; GTIL does not provide services to clients. About MCA Connect MCA Connect modernizes supply chains end-to-end through transformative consulting, unified data for business insights, process optimization and automation, AI and advanced decision making, and business application implementation. As one of Microsoft's top manufacturing and distribution partners and a three-time Global Supply Chain Partner of the year, Grant Thornton combine global reach, seasoned experts, leading-edge tech, and a focus on business strategy. About New Mountain Capital New Mountain Capital is a New York-based investment firm that emphasizes business building and growth, rather than debt, as it pursues long-term capital appreciation. The firm currently manages private equity, credit and net lease investment strategies with approximately $60 billion in assets under management. New Mountain Capital seeks out what it believes to be the highest quality growth leaders in carefully selected industry sectors and then works intensively with management to build the value of these companies. For more information on New Mountain Capital, please visit newmountaincapital.com. Grant Thornton Advisors MCA Connect More press releases

MCA Connect earns third consecutive Global Microsoft Partner of the Year award for Supply Chain. Denver, CO - MCA Connect, a trusted advisor to manufacturers and distributors, is proud to announce that it has again been named a Global Microsoft Partner of the Year Finalist for Dynamics 365 Supply Chain for the third year running. This honor reflects MCA Connect's sustained delivery of industry-leading solutions built on the Microsoft platform and its deep commitment to customer impact. For more than two decades, MCA Connect has worked alongside manufacturers and distributors to navigate disruption, integrate data and AI innovations, and modernize complex operations using Microsoft Dynamics 365 Supply Chain Management and Microsoft's broader ecosystem. Their track record of large-scale implementations, industry-specific IP and vertical expertise positions them uniquely in the market. "This recognition is a testament to our team's unwavering focus on operational clarity for supply chain organizations. By aligning Microsoft technology with purpose-built workflows, we help our customers turn industry complexity into competitive advantage," said David Durham, Chief Executive Officer at MCA Connect. MCA Connect's methodology blends deep manufacturing and distribution domain knowledge with Microsoft's technology stack to help clients accelerate time-to-value. From connected multi-channel sales operations to automated distribution workflows and AI-enhanced decision making, the company continues to push the boundaries of what supply chain transformation looks like in the field. These awards are a direct reflection of the manufacturers and distributors who trust MCA Connect, LLC with their transformation journeys. Their partnership, feedback, and ambition continue to push MCA Connect, LLC forward. "The visibility and ease of getting access to the data we need is fantastically superior to anything we've ever had. I don't have to go to a different person to view supply chain data or financial data. With MCA Connect's industry-tailored data platform, Inspire Platform(R), it's all right there." - Randy Burket, Director of Information Technology, Syndicate Sales "When we talk to MCA Connect about problems we're trying to solve, they've likely had the same issues come up before. They're able to come to the table with best practices and solutions that have worked for other manufacturers." - Marc Rohde, VP of Business Enablement, Andis "Our teams have done well collaborating, and we continue to receive proactive support from MCA Connect to help with other challenges we don't have the expertise for. They're always checking in - they've been a good partner." - Brent Lovett, General Manager, CyberPower Systems "I would recommend MCA Connect. They separate themselves on functional knowledge, competency, and the ability to tie it all together." - Adam Boccelli, Global VP of Supply Chain, GALE Pacific About Microsoft Partner of the Year Awards The Microsoft Partner of the Year Awards recognize Microsoft partners around the world who have developed and delivered exceptional Microsoft-based solutions in the past year. Award winners are selected from a pool of thousands of nominations globally, with honorees chosen based on customer success, innovation, and alignment to Microsoft's vision for the cloud and business applications. About MCA Connect MCA Connect modernizes supply chains end-to-end through transformative consulting, unified data platforms, process optimization, AI and advanced decision making, and business application implementation. With a sole focus on manufacturing and distribution and a deep alignment with the Microsoft platform, MCA Connect helps its customers gain visibility, improve profitability, and build the foundation for future-ready operations. When publications want industry advice, they turn to MCA Connect. Its supply chain expertise has been featured in: Supply Chain Brain, Let's Talk Supply Chain News, Resilient Supply Chain, Supply & Demand Chain Executive, Distribution Talk. Explore its supply chain insights to learn how to overcome challenges, uncover opportunities, follow best practices, and more. Modernizing warehouse logistics under any ERP: the 5 principles for success. This quick guide shows distribution leaders five practical principles to boost throughput, cut costs, and stay competitive. Five Supply Chain agents you can deploy today. Its head of AI and innovation will cover recent customer examples and live demos, so you'll leave with exciting use cases you can add to your to-do list. Algorithms as oracles: Supply Chain's next era. Its third consecutive Microsoft Partner of the Year recognition proves the future of supply chain is already in motion. Industry expert Steve Shebuski explains how.