BDO Acquires Seattle Accounting Firm Peterson Sullivan, LLP

BDO USA, LLP, one of the nation’s leading accounting and advisory firms, today announced an expansion of its Pacific Northwest practice through the addition of 175 partners and professionals from Peterson Sullivan LLP. The combination of BDO and Peterson Sullivan is subject to customary closing conditions and is expected to be completed on Nov. 1.

“The addition of Peterson Sullivan strengthens BDO’s presence in the Pacific Northwest and creates a strong foundation as we continue to execute our targeted growth strategy,” said Wayne Berson, CEO of BDO USA. “Peterson Sullivan and BDO share common values – believing strongly that an exceptional culture with exceptional people results in an exceptional client experience. I look forward to welcoming the partners and professionals of Peterson Sullivan to BDO and working together to serve clients in Seattle and beyond.”

Founded in 1953, Peterson Sullivan is a leading public accounting and business advisory firm based in Seattle and is ranked among the top seven largest CPA firms in the Puget Sound region. With a reputation for attentive service, experienced and committed professionals, and a focus on results, Peterson Sullivan serves clients in a variety of industries, including auto dealerships, construction, hospitality and consumer products, life sciences, manufacturing, nonprofit, professional services, real estate, and technology.

“Peterson Sullivan has built our reputation over the last 65 years by providing exceptional client service and developing deep connections within the community,” said Chris Russell, managing partner of Peterson Sullivan. “In joining BDO, our clients will continue to receive the personalized and responsive attention they have come to expect, now with enhanced access to more specialized services, broader industry expertise, and BDO’s extensive global network. We look forward to continued momentum together in serving the people and businesses in the region.”

Peterson Sullivan is the seventh-largest accounting firm in the Puget Sound region. Like BDO, the firm is continually recognized by numerous business and industry publications for its workplace accomplishments. The firm was recently named by Puget Sound Business Journal as one of Washington’s Best Workplaces and recognized by Accounting Today as one of the nation’s Best Accounting Firms to Work For.

Upon completion of the transaction, Chris Russell will continue his focus on the region’s business and civic communities as the market managing partner for BDO in Seattle. Michael Reeves and Bob Filip will continue in their respective roles as BDO’s assurance and tax managing partners for the combined Seattle practice.

“BDO has fueled its tremendous growth by combining with entrepreneurial and successful CPA firms that not only complement their service offerings and culture, but add value for their clients.” said Allan D. Koltin, CEO of Koltin Consulting Group, who advised both firms on the combination. “The addition of Peterson Sullivan offers tremendous opportunity throughout the Seattle market and the entire Pacific Northwest region. Peterson Sullivan garnered interest from many national and mega-regional firms. Ultimately, they felt BDO provided their partners and associates with a great playbook and platform to expand services to their clients.”

Going forward, BDO plans to consolidate its offices into the current Peterson Sullivan location. In the interim, the firm will maintain two office locations.