Aprio, a major accounting firm, is acquiring Scottsdale-based Radix Law to form an Alternative Business Service law firm in Arizona. This merger, set to finalize in spring, follows Arizona's 2021 ABS license program allowing non-lawyer ownership of law firms. Aprio, with 2,100 employees, aims to expand its services, while Radix, with 15 attorneys, sees growth potential. The merger is expected to create jobs and increase office space in Arizona.

Annual research explores how businesses, executives and investors should rethink traditional approaches for navigating today's global macroeconomic environmentATLANTA, Feb. 5, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Aprio Wealth Management, a subsidiary of Aprio, LLP, the 25th largest business advisory and accounting firm, released its 5th annual Economic Outlook, providing a comprehensive roadmap for investors, executives and business owners navigating the economic challenges and opportunities in the year ahead, emphasizing adaptability, innovation and readiness for a more active dealmaking landscape.This year's Outlook focuses on the global economy undergoing a transformative shift, through persistent fiscal deficits, structural labor constraints and geopolitical competition, which are redefining traditional economic paradigms. While these challenges are notable, Aprio finds significant opportunities for business owners, executives and investors."Aprio's 2025 Economic Outlook underscores how we are navigating a transformative economic transition that will require our clients to critically rethink traditional approaches," said Simeon Wallis, Chief Investment Officer, Aprio Wealth Management. "Our goal is to provide business owners, executives and investors with a strategic path forward that ensures their wealth management and business strategies have long-term success amid such a transformative era."Some of the key themes revealed in the Outlook include:Agility Amid Transition for BusinessesThe global economy is undergoing structural shifts, including stickier inflation, supply chain reconfigurations and labor market constraints.A new administration in Washington , with pro-business goals like deregulation and tax cuts, also introduces uncertainty around immigration, tariffs and government efficiency reforms., with pro-business goals like deregulation and tax cuts, also introduces uncertainty around immigration, tariffs and government efficiency reforms. Businesses must adopt the "First Principles Thinking" approach, a problem-solving method that emphasizes the adaptability and strategic foresight to remain competitive in an evolving landscape.Productivity Unleashed Driven by TechnologyTechnology is driving massive productivity gains, particularly in areas like AI, automation and data-driven decision making, transforming business operations and long-term competitiveness.Post-pandemic booms and busts in sectors like real estate, logistics and consumer services are stabilizing, creating opportunities for growth and recovery in markets that experienced volatility.The Federal Reserve's (Fed) evolving interest rate policy, with a cautious easing in 2025, will significantly impact borrowing costs, investment decisions and business cash flow, requiring careful navigation of financial strategies.The Deal Boom is Set to BeginDeal activity in private equity and M&A is poised to accelerate rapidly, driven by abundant capital, a favorable regulatory environment and opportunities for consolidation across industries.Companies in all sectors should prepare for increased private equity transactions, positioning themselves as attractive acquisition targets or capitalizing on industry-wide consolidation trends.Strategic preparation, including improving operational efficiency and cash flow visibility, will be essential for capturing value in this dynamic environment."We're seeing a delicate balance of growth opportunities and persistent risks across the global economy," noted Wallis. "Risks inclusive of above-normal interest rates, disrupted supply chains and labor shortages