Two Global Networks Merge to Shake Up Access to International Business Advice
Two leading global accountancy groups, MGI Worldwide and CPAAI (CPA Associates International), have announced they are merging to create a significant new player, with more resources and a wider knowledge base, delivering high-quality accountancy and business advice in almost 100 countries worldwide.
Businesses around the world will now be able to access expertise from 400 offices in all continents thanks to the merger of the two groups.
With more than 130 years in the accountancy market between them, the merger is a landmark for the two highly respected organisations and will position them 16th in the current ranking of global accountancy firms based on their combined income of almost $1 billion.
The group is looking to challenge the biggest firms, by offering the expertise of almost 9,000 professionals to a wide range of business sectors around the world, in particularly in the middle of the market, where its members’ special strength lies. A strategy of giving considerable autonomy to each of its eight global regions means that, as well as sharing knowledge and resources worldwide, firms work together regionally to offer solutions adapted to the specific needs of different cultures, economies and business realities.
With a shared set of values and business profiles, the merger will ensure that clients can benefit from wider geographical support, a consistency of quality governance worldwide and access to new technological solutions, as well as expertise in niche areas such as forensic accountancy, international tax, business recovery and family office services.
Clive Viegas Bennett, CEO of MGI Worldwide, said: “We recognise the changing landscape of business and the need for our members and their clients to access the international market and expertise, globally and regionally with ease and efficiency. This access should not be limited to the large multinational corporations served by the biggest firms.
“Both networks already have strong links with businesses all over the world, so it seemed to make sense to combine our strength and knowledge so that clients can enjoy that competitive advantage.
“Going forward we will grow and expand to further challenge the status quo within the market and continue to offer businesses, especially mid-sized, start-up, fast growth and family enterprises the highest level of service both locally and across borders.”
The two groups have well-established markets, with CPAAI especially strong in the US, China and Mexico, while MGI Worldwide has a greater global reach.
The deal was finalised at a global meeting in Dubai, UAE, where member firms voted overwhelmingly in favour of the coming together of the two firms – with many making use of the latest technology to respond and take part in discussions via live-streaming.
Michael Parness, the President of CPAAI, added: “This is an exciting development for our two networks and an important step for the global accountancy industry.
“By combining forces, we are ensuring that our members are well-positioned to provide market-leading advice and share their experiences and expertise globally so that a larger number and wider variety of businesses can benefit.
“At a time when the world is become ever more interconnected this bringing together of resources places us in a stronger position to compete, grow and succeed.”
The new organisation will be co-chaired by Roger Isaacs, the Chairman of MGI Worldwide and Jim Holmes, the Chairman of CPAAI. Clive Viegas Bennett will serve as CEO and Michael Parness as COO.
