Wauwatosa-based accounting and consulting firm Wipfli LLP has acquired two audit, tax and consulting firms that will expand its presence in the northeastern and northwestern United States.
Media, Pa.-based Elko & Associates Ltd. serves businesses and individuals in the northeast, and will expand Wipfli’s presence in that region. Its 81 employees and 12 partners have joined Wipfli from the firm’s two Philadelphia-area offices.
“We’ve been searching for an exceptional firm to merge with in the northeastern United States to expand our firm into that area of the country and found Elko. We are thrilled to be combining with a well-respected firm that has such a strong reputation for helping businesses succeed and technical excellence,” said Rick Dreher, managing partner of Wipfli LLP. “We look forward to moving into 2015 together as one firm.”
“Elko is very proud of our 54-year history serving northeastern businesses and individuals and giving back to our community,” said Michael Pozielli, managing director of Elko. “We are excited to join a firm with a similar client service philosophy and similar values. This combination with Wipfli is a positive development for our clients and our associates. For our clients, it will broaden and deepen the specialized services and industry-focused solutions we are able to provide, allowing us to continue to meet their needs as they grow and face new challenges in the years ahead. For our associates, the combination will provide advanced training opportunities and increased career opportunities with a larger firm.”
Helena, Mont.-based Galusha, Higgins & Galusha PC will expand Wipfli’s reach in the northwest, the company said. GHG’s 140 employees, including 22 partners, have joined Wipfli from the firm’s six offices in Idaho and Montana.
“GHG has a 95-year heritage and strong reputation for providing high-quality services to businesses in the Northwest. This combination will strengthen and expand Wipfli’s physical presence in the Northwestern United States, building and enhancing a more diverse set of services to complement Wipfli’s existing Spokane, Washington office. Combining with GHG will add highly experienced professionals to the Wipfli team,” Dreher said. “This combination is also a great fit for both firms because our cultures and client service philosophies are closely aligned and we bring complementary services to the market. We look forward to working together to serve our clients around the country continuing to provide the exceptional service our clients have come to expect from our firms.”
“In today’s marketplace, businesses are facing ever-changing challenges that often require subject-matter experts and services that go far beyond traditional audit and tax services,” said Richard Shull, president and chief executive officer of GHG. “We are excited to be joining Wipfli. The combination will provide our firm with the industry and technical specialization we need to meet our growing client demands and to tackle future business growth opportunities. It will also provide our team members with greater opportunities for training and career opportunities.”
Wipfli has acquired four companies in the past year. Following these most recent acquisitions, the firm will have about 1,300 associates, 160 partners, and 24 office locations.
