Ernst & Young strengthens Western presence and closes deal with Saskatchewan's Hergott Duval Stack LLP

TORONTO, June 1, 2012 /CNW/ - Today, Ernst & Young announced that Hergott Duval Stack LLP — the largest independent accounting, tax and business advisory firm in the fast-growing province of Saskatchewan —has joined Ernst & Young The move grows Ernst & Young's expanding practice in Western Canada, and emboldens our Entrepreneurial Services capabilities.

"By marrying Ernst & Young and Hergott's brands and best practices, we're creating a powerhouse of professional services centred in one of Canada's fastest growing markets, where the economic outlook is strong," says Trent Henry, Ernst & Young Chairman and CEO in Canada. "We are delighted to be embarking on this journey together with our new colleagues, and looking forward to continuing to provide comprehensive support to existing and future clients in Saskatchewan, and beyond."

The transaction is the third of this kind for Ernst & Young since last summer, and Henry says it complements the firm's ever-growing Entrepreneurial Services practice from coast to coast. "Hergott has established a première brand among entrepreneurs in Western Canada, and honed leading practices tailored specifically to private business owners. Our firms' combined belief in, and commitment to, entrepreneurs provides a solid foundation on which we can build an even bigger and bolder platform for the future success of our clients."

Those common core philosophies are something that Hergott's partners and staff look forward to capitalizing on, too.

"We're very excited about the opportunities this will mean for our people and our clients," says Evan Shoforost, Managing Partner of Hergott Duvall Stack LLP and Ernst & Young's new Managing Partner for Saskatchewan. "All of our existing clients will continue to receive the exceptional, personalized client service they've come to expect, but now with the added value of Ernst & Young's broader network of skills and resources behind it. That's a huge bonus for Saskatchewan businesses that — like the economy itself — are primed for growth locally, nationally and on the global stage."

As part of the transaction, approximately 115 Hergott Duval Stack LLP personnel, including 12 partners and six associate partners, have joined Ernst & Young. They will continue to service their clients from their existing Saskatoon location.

About Ernst & Young

Ernst & Young is a global leader in assurance, tax, transaction and advisory services. Worldwide, our 152,000 people are united by our shared values and an unwavering commitment to quality. We make a difference by helping our people, our clients and our wider communities achieve their potential.

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Ernst & Young refers to the global organization of member firms of Ernst & Young Global Limited, each of which is a separate legal entity. Ernst & Young Global Limited, a UK company limited by guarantee, does not provide services to clients.

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Sarah Shields
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