Merger Season Continues as Wipfli Adds Two Accounting Firms

The 2015 accounting firm merger season is in full bloom.

Wipfli LLP, one of the top 25 accounting and consulting firms in the United States, has announced the acquisition of two firms, Helena, Montana-based Galusha, Higgins & Galusha, PC (GHG)and Philadelphia-based Elko & Associates, Ltd. (Elko). All staff and partners will remain with the new firm. With these mergers, Wifpli now has approximately 1,400 associates, 170 partners, and 31 office locations in the U.S. and abroad.

“Wipfli is quickly transforming from a mega regional firm to a national powerhouse and I believe you will see other geographic mergers into them in the near future. They have made significant investments in consulting and advisory services and it has been a big differentiator for them in the marketplace,” said Allan D. Koltin, CEO of Koltin Consulting Group, who advised both Wipfli and GHG. “Not surprisingly, they are attracting a lot of attention from other Top 200 firms that want to transform their practices from primarily compliance to compliance and advisory services focused.

GHG and Elko offer audit, tax and consulting services to businesses and individuals in their regions. These are the third and fourth mergers/acquisitions for Wipfli within a year.

“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,” said Rick Dreher, managing partner of Wipfli LLP.

“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,” said Dreher.

Richard Shull, president and chief executive officer of GHG, commented, “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. 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.”

“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.”

Michael Pozielli, managing director of Elko, commented, “Elko is very proud of our 54-year history serving Northeastern businesses and individuals and giving back to our community. 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.”