Collins Barrow strengthens East Coast presence with the formation of Collins
Barrow Nova Scotia Inc.

The firm will become one of Nova Scotia's largest independently owned accounting firms

HALIFAX, Sept. 1 /CNW/ - Accounting firms Collins Barrow Nauss Hornby LLP and Hemming Weir Casey Inc. have merged to form Collins Barrow Nova Scotia Inc., one of Nova Scotia's largest independently owned accounting firms with 9 partners and more than 30 professionals and staff serving the mid-market.

"Collins Barrow and Hemming Weir Casey have a history of attracting talented Partners and professionals and providing clients with unparalleled service. That's why we're doing this merger. That's why our business exists," said Collins Barrow Nova Scotia's new Managing Partner, Grant Galbraith. "By merging, we will amplify the outstanding quality service that our clients have come to expect from us and create a guiding force for mid-sized companies that fits their needs and values."

Collins Barrow Nova Scotia will feature a unique blend of capable professionals with a depth and breadth of experience to ensure clients meet the most rigorous audit, tax, valuation and advisory needs. The firm will serve and grow several sectors including manufacturing, not-for-profit, information technology, professional services, property development, retail and many others.

"The accounting profession is going through unprecedented change. As visionary and proactive firms, we aim to grow in this changing landscape in a way that allows us to continue to provide the best possible entrepreneurial services to our clients as they, too, experience business growth and expansion. We know that combining the two firms under the Collins Barrow network will do just that" said Michael Casey, Hemming Weir Casey's Managing Partner.

"Collins Barrow provides us with diverse services, from general business advice and support to acquisitions and succession planning. It's a pleasure to work with this firm. Everyone is responsive and efficient while showing an authentic interest in helping us maximize our success" said Natalie Lane, CFO, Arcom Telecom Ltd., a client of Collins Barrow Nauss Hornby LLP for the last decade.

"They know our business as well as we do", said President of Murphy Sailing Tours, Richard Murphy, a client of Hemming Weir Casey for 28 years. "They have an entrepreneurial style and I'm confident that Collins Barrow Nova Scotia will continue to grow their foothold in this growing market".

About Collins Barrow Canada

Collins Barrow is Canada's largest association of Chartered Accountancy firms and the eighth largest group of chartered accountants in Canada with more than 40 offices from coast to coast. Known as Canada's mid-market alternative for audit, tax and advisory solutions, we have developed a reputation for being a real choice for quality and value added financial advice due to the depth and breadth of in-house skills, customized offerings, commitment to excellence in customer service and our national reach. Our unmatched service and deep financial offerings make Collins Barrow the right choice for maximizing shareholder value.

We serve companies at all stages of their development from large publicly traded companies to emerging and owner managed businesses. We service clients from a cross section of industries including: Manufacturing, Industrials, Wholesale, Retail and Distribution, Professional Services, Financial Services, Technology and Communications, Energy and Mining, and more. Our understanding and first-hand experience in the trends that are impacting these industries continues to prove that our professionals are well positioned to offer valued and effective solutions.

For further information: Mark Marshall, CA, CFP, TEP Partner, Collins Barrow Nova Scotia Inc., Phone: [phone]; Stephen Chris, Collins Barrow National, Phone: [phone]