Elaine Leggett, founder and principal of Leggett PLLC, has joined Jacobs Capital as manager of Business Valuation Services, according to a news release.

Leggett, CPA, ABV, CFF, will also be involved in the execution of smaller merger and acquisition transactions. She will remain based in Wilmington and will continue to serve her existing clients, the release stated.

Leggett founded Wilmington-based Leggett PLLC in 2013. Before starting her own firm, Leggett amassed more than 20 years of relevant experience as a partner at an accounting firm specializing in forensic services, leader of the Forensic and Valuation Services Section at the American Institute of CPAs (AICPA) and senior accountant providing tax, audit and consulting services at a regional firm, officials said. 

She holds a bachelor’s degree in accounting from Meredith College.

“Leggett has a stellar reputation as an expert in forensic accounting and business valuation services, which will be important in serving the merger and acquisition needs of smaller businesses,” officials said in the release.

Officials with the firm said that by adding Leggett to the team, Jacobs Capital will be able to serve businesses with values in the $5 million to $10 million range. The firm has traditionally worked exclusively with business owners whose companies were worth more than $10 million.