Carr, Riggs & Ingram Merges in Greenville’s Cayton & Associates

Partnership Expands Top 25* Firm's Eastern North Carolina Presence

Greenville, NC - Carr, Riggs & Ingram (CRI), a Top 25* nationally ranked accounting and advisory firm, today announced the merger of Greenville-based Cayton & Associates with the firm, effective January 6, 2026.

The merger adds 12 professionals to CRI's team, strengthening the firm's presence across Eastern North Carolina. It marks CRI's seventh acquisition since securing strategic investment from Centerbridge Partners and Bessemer Venture Partners in late 2024.

Founded in 2001, Cayton & Associates is a well-established firm serving businesses and individuals throughout Eastern North Carolina. The firm specializes in tax preparation and planning, outsourced business accounting, compilations, and reviews, and has built strong relationships in the real estate, construction, and development areas. The team will continue serving clients from their current Greenville office under the CRI brand.

"Cayton & Associates exemplifies the type of firm we want to partner with—client-focused, results-driven, and aligned with our values. This merger allows us to invest further in the Greenville market while preserving the relationships and local insight clients depend on,” said CRI Chairman Bill Carr.

"We're excited to join forces with CRI and provide our clients access to deeper resources while continuing the personalized service they expect from us," said Angela Cayton, Managing Partner of Cayton & Associates. "This partnership positions us to better serve the evolving needs of businesses across Eastern North Carolina."

Cayton & Associates clients will continue working with the same professionals they know and trust, now supported by CRI's broader platform. Through the merger, clients gain access to CRI's expanded advisory capabilities, industry-focused teams, and specialized portfolio companies, which span investment banking, wealth management, data analytics, and business consulting services.

Since its strategic investment partnership in late 2024, CRI has continued to expand its presence in more than 40 markets nationwide. The firm's growth strategy emphasizes cultural alignment, client retention, and long-term investment in local communities. To learn more about CRI, please explore criadv.com.