Core Viewpoint - Eric Miles has been appointed as the new CEO of Baker Tilly, succeeding Jeff Ferro, who will remain on the Baker Tilly Advisory Group and Board of Directors following the company's merger with Moss Adams in June last year [1][2]. Leadership Transition - The leadership change aims to enhance execution across the business, aligning strategy and daily operations to better meet client needs and support planned growth [1]. - Jeff Ferro expressed confidence in Eric Miles' leadership abilities, highlighting his extensive experience and understanding of client and employee needs as the firm evolves [3]. Eric Miles' Background - Eric Miles has a diverse background in public accounting, having started his career in 1997, and has experience in operations, compliance, accounting, IT, and fraud prevention [2]. - Prior to joining Baker Tilly, Miles led the consulting services organization at Moss Adams, covering over 50 practice areas, and later served as its CEO [3].

Moore Kingston Smith, an advisory, tax and audit practice, has made a number of senior appointments and promotions across its offices in the UK. Amar Shah has been appointed general practice partner at the Heathrow office. His work spans audit, tax and strategic advice for owner-managed businesses and larger groups including private equity-backed organisations. The company named John Williams as a partner in the Employment Tax Services team in the City office. He advises start-ups, public sector bodies ...

Core Insights - The PrimeGlobal World Summit 2025 gathered over 200 leaders from more than 100 accounting and advisory organizations across 50 nations to discuss innovation and technological advancements in the accounting sector [1] - A new five-year plan titled 'Transform to 2030: Ready for Business' was launched at the summit, focusing on transformation in technology, talent, and sustainability [1][3] Group 1: Event Overview - The summit was themed 'Transform Our Tomorrow' and took place in November in Bangkok, emphasizing the importance of collaboration and innovation in the accounting industry [1] - PrimeGlobal introduced a new international technology platform aimed at enhancing interaction and integration among its member firms [2] Group 2: Key Presentations - CEO Steve Heathcote highlighted the significance of transformation as both a challenge and an opportunity, aiming to create a shared vision for the future [3] - Fredrik Härén, a global speaker, encouraged attendees to question assumptions and leverage creativity for progress during his keynote address [3] - Ritbumroong Thanachart from MIND AI Southeast Asia presented on how AI is reshaping accounting through data management and automation [4] Group 3: Regional Focus and Expansion - PrimeGlobal operates in 23 countries within the Asia Pacific region and is recognized as the largest association in Japan, Singapore, Hong Kong, and South Korea [5] - Pre-summit discussions centered on trade, investment, and advisory activities relevant to the Asia Pacific market [5] Group 4: Organizational Scale - PrimeGlobal comprises over 300 independent member organizations globally, collectively generating annual revenues of $6.4 billion and employing over 50,000 individuals [6] - The organization has a presence in more than 1,200 locations across 120 countries [6]

Core Insights - HLB has expanded its international network by adding HLB Ethiopia, enhancing its presence in East Africa and supporting organizations in Ethiopia [1][2] - HLB Ethiopia offers a range of services including audit, assurance, tax, and advisory, catering to various sectors [1] - The addition aligns with HLB's strategy to strengthen cooperation with firms in emerging markets and expand its global service reach [2] Company Strategy - HLB Ethiopia's managing partner emphasized the importance of local transformation alongside global reach, focusing on delivering impactful services in Ethiopia's evolving economy [2] - HLB International's chief growth officer highlighted Ethiopia's economic momentum, characterized by a large young workforce and its strategic position as a gateway to regional and global markets [3] - Establishing a local presence through HLB Ethiopia enables HLB to provide essential support for businesses to navigate risks and achieve sustainable growth [3] Network Overview - HLB International operates in 155 countries with a workforce of 51,948 professionals, indicating a robust global presence [3] - The network's name signifies its international scope and the distinct legal entities of its member firms [4]

Core Insights - Grant Thornton UK plans to recruit 160 new partners over the next two years, combining internal promotions with targeted external searches [1] - The firm currently has 280 partners and has made 40 partner appointments so far this year [1] - The recruitment plan is supported by executive search companies Korn Ferry and Wilton & Bain, along with an advisory firm to refine the partner selection process [1][2] Recruitment and Partnership Model - The recruitment initiative follows a recent transaction with Cinven, marking a shift in Grant Thornton UK's partnership model away from traditional structures [2] - The firm has increased investments in talent and technology, including training in data and digital skills for all staff levels [2] - New employee reward schemes have been introduced, including an Employee Benefit Trust and additional bonuses, resulting in partner compensation that is typically 50% above market rates [3] Strategic Vision and Growth - CEO Malcolm Gomersall stated that 2025 is a transformative year for the firm, aiming to combine equity ownership with external investment to enhance competitiveness [4] - The firm has an ambitious growth plan, leveraging its strong brand, unique operating model, and industry-leading quality to drive future momentum [4]

Core Insights - Grant Thornton Advisors is integrating Grant Thornton Brazil into its multinational platform, enhancing its presence in South America [1][2] - The platform will now include 16 firms operating across 20 time zones, following similar integrations with Grant Thornton New Zealand and Grant Thornton Poland [1][5] - Grant Thornton Brazil has approximately 2,000 employees and generates annual revenues exceeding $80 million [1][2] Company Developments - The integration is seen as a transformative milestone for Grant Thornton Brazil, providing access to multinational resources and strategic alignment [2][5] - The multinational platform aims to combine advisory and tax practices while maintaining separate audit services, supported by a consortium led by New Mountain Capital [3][4] - Legal guidance for the transaction was provided by Simpson Thacher & Bartlett and Lefosse Advogados for Grant Thornton Advisors, while Mattos Filho advised Grant Thornton Brazil [4] Strategic Importance - The addition of Brazil is viewed as a significant step in building a cross-border professional services platform, enhancing the firm's ability to deliver high-impact solutions [5] - The network is expanding to include firms focused on strategic sectors, indicating a broader strategy to enhance service offerings [6]

Core Insights - Grant Thornton Advisors is expanding its multinational platform by incorporating Grant Thornton New Zealand, enhancing its presence in the Asia Pacific region [1][4] - The expansion now covers 20 time zones, increasing the group's service capabilities for clients with global operations [1] - Grant Thornton New Zealand contributes over $40 million in annual revenue and adds more than 300 professionals to the platform [1][2] Company Expertise and Integration - The New Zealand team specializes in audit, tax, and advisory services, and has a strong market presence in the region [2] - The multinational platform was launched earlier this year, supported by an investor group led by New Mountain Capital, and integrates over a dozen firms from various regions [2][3] - Current members include firms from the US, Ireland, France, UAE, and others, with additional transactions expected to close soon [3] Leadership Statements - CEO Jim Peko emphasized the need for seamless service and consistent quality across different locations, highlighting the strategic importance of Grant Thornton New Zealand's inclusion [4] - Russell Moore, CEO of Grant Thornton New Zealand, expressed excitement about the partnership, noting the demand for smarter solutions and global connectivity in an evolving market [4] Network and Future Plans - The expanded platform will remain part of Grant Thornton International Limited, which includes member firms in over 150 markets globally [5] - The transaction for Grant Thornton New Zealand to join the platform is anticipated to close before the end of 2025 [4]

Core Insights - Acclime has acquired Crowe Singapore, aiming to enhance its service offerings across the Asia Pacific and Middle East regions [1] - The merger will combine Crowe Singapore's expertise in assurance, tax, and advisory with Acclime's established presence in corporate governance, compliance, accounting, and fund administration [1][2] - The acquisition is expected to elevate client expectations through improved service delivery and integrated solutions [4] Company Strategy - The acquisition aligns with Acclime's strategy to become a full-service regional firm, expanding its capabilities and client value proposition [3][4] - Acclime has previously made similar acquisitions in Hong Kong SAR, Australia, and New Zealand to strengthen its advisory business [4][5] - The firm operates in 18 markets with a workforce exceeding 1,700 professionals, indicating significant operational scale [5] Client Impact - The merged operations will provide a consolidated suite of services to a diverse client base, including local businesses, regional companies, multinationals, funds, and family offices [2] - Crowe Singapore's managing partner emphasized the enhanced value and innovation that the merger will bring to clients [2]

Core Insights - Stannards aims to achieve a revenue target of A$100 million ($52.4 million) over the next two years, driven by expansion efforts since the involvement of private equity firm Pemba Capital Partners [1][5] - The company is positioning itself as a mid-tier entity in the accounting and advisory industry, focusing on attracting top talent and acquiring culturally aligned practices [5] Executive Appointments - Leah Roberts has been appointed as chief people officer, focusing on employee performance frameworks [2] - Romith Manju has joined to lead mergers and acquisitions, bringing experience from Blue Ocean Equities [2] - Brett Luckman, a former PwC director, has been appointed as chief technology officer to advance AI initiatives [2] - Olga Kotliar has been appointed as chief financial and operations officer, and Laurens Visscher will head the new grants and incentives practice [3] Growth and Acquisitions - Stannards has been selectively acquiring smaller firms, particularly "one or two-man band operations" [3] - Recent acquisitions include MC Tax Advisors, SME Valuations, and a Melbourne-based audit practice, with further details to be disclosed after a deal completion in January [4] - The firm has expanded its team to over 100 staff members, including 13 directors and partners [4] Financial Projections - The company forecasts a revenue of A$30 million ($19.8 million) for the current year and is pursuing further expansion with offers extended to five practices in Australia [5] - Stannards' strategy includes attracting commercially minded talent with competitive salaries and equity opportunities [5]

Core Insights - Dains Group has acquired Curo, a UK-based firm specializing in audit, tax, accounting, and advisory services, marking its fourth acquisition since receiving backing from IK Partners [1][2] Company Overview - Curo was founded in 2005 by Anna Madden and Julia Gallagher and has built a diverse client base, serving both UK and international clients [1] - The existing team at Curo will continue operations in Bromsgrove, led by co-founders Madden and Gallagher [3] Strategic Intent - The acquisition aims to enhance Dains Group's capabilities in delivering complex audits and cross-border tax work while maintaining a personal approach to client service [4] - Dains Group's CEO Richard McNeilly emphasized that Curo's reputation for technical excellence and strong client relationships aligns well with Dains' strengths [3][4] Advisory and Support - Dains received advisory services from DSW, PDW, Cyber Crowd, and Mercia for due diligence, while Curo was guided by Transcend Corporate for corporate finance and Shakespeare Martineau for legal matters [3]