Top 25* Nationally Ranked Carr, Riggs & Ingram Expands into East Texas

Lufkin-Based Axley & Rode, LLP joins CRI

Enterprise, AL and Lufkin, TX - Top 25* accounting and advisory firm Carr, Riggs & Ingram (CRI) is expanding into East Texas by merging with Axley & Rode, LLP. This acquisition marks CRI’s second merger transaction since it received a strategic capital investment in November 2024 and further strengthens the firm’s presence and investment in the Texas market.

Founded in 1949 in Lufkin, Texas, Axley & Rode expanded its operations to include Jasper, Livingston, and Nacogdoches offices. In 2024, Inside Public Accounting recognized the firm as one of the Top 400 firms in the nation. Following the close of the transaction, the ten partners and current staff from Axley & Rode will integrate with the established CRI teams in Texas and across the country to continue serving clients.

“Texas has always been a crucial part of CRI’s growth strategy,” said Bill Carr, CRI Chairman. “With Axley & Rode now on board, we have established our presence in the East Texas market, which is new territory for us. Axley & Rode has deep roots in East Texas and ties to their communities, similar to many of our CRI locations. Their emphasis on client service, relationship-oriented offerings, and cultivating beneficial partnerships for all parties aligns with CRI’s founding principles and the culture we’ve cultivated and strive to maintain.”

CRI is one of the fastest-growing accounting and advisory firms in the nation. In addition to offering comprehensive accounting services such as auditing*, tax, advisory, and client accounting services, the firm manages nine portfolio companies— Auditwerx* (SOC* reporting and PCI services), CRI Advanced Analytics (data analytics), CRI M&A Advisors (investment banking), CRI Simple Numbers (business consulting), CRI TPA Services (retirement plan administration), Level Four Group (wealth management), Paywerx (payroll management), ProSport Accountants (tax and accounting for athletes), and The Preferred Legacy National Trust Bank (trusts and estates)

CRI has financial tools and accounting resources available at CRIadv.com.