EY to grow advisory services practice in Atlantic Canada

Firm signs letter of intent –Ambir Solutions to join EY family

HALIFAX, May 29, 2014 /CNW/ - EY is significantly growing its Advisory Practice in Atlantic Canada by today signing a letter of intent to bring Ambir Solutions into the EY family.

"Ambir is the leading independent IT and business consulting firm in Atlantic Canada, full stop," says Trent Henry, EY's Canadian Chairman and CEO. "We're thrilled to be bringing Ambir's unparalleled client service and sector expertise together with EY's bold brand and global reach. This transaction significantly enhances our local IT advisory capabilities and empowers us to make a real difference for our clients in Atlantic Canada, and right across the country."

This is a bold strategic move for EY in both the Advisory space and the Atlantic Canada market. It represents one of the many ways that EY continues to evolve its offerings to meet the changing needs of Canadian clients. In particular, Ambir will bring expanded capability in IT advisory and data analytics to the EY team.

Not only is this an excellent business match, but Ambir and EY also represent an exceptional cultural fit. "We share core values across the board; from our commitment to clients, to how we build and foster team culture, to how we help build a better working world," says Ian Cavanagh, CEO of Ambir. "Together, our synergies will have a tremendous impact in the local marketplace, and Ambir's clients will benefit greatly from the full strength of our combined team. We are very proud to be taking this important step forward with EY."

Ambir's award-winning business and IT consulting services are powered by a local team of 60 dedicated professionals who will integrate into EY's existing practice groups. When the deal closes officially on 20 June 2014, the Ambir team will join EY offices in Halifax, Saint John Moncton/Dieppe and St. John's.  At the same time, EY will welcome a new office in Fredericton – its fifth in Atlantic Canada.

This transaction marks EY's fifth strategic acquisition in Canada in the last few years. Those deals included SRED Automation in 2013, Hergott Duval Stack LLP (establishing the Saskatoon-based EY office) in 2012, portions of RSM Richter (in Toronto and Calgary) and OME Group Consultants (in Toronto, Montreal and Calgary) in 2011.

About EY
EY is a global leader in assurance, tax, transaction and advisory services. The insights and quality services we deliver help build trust and confidence in the capital markets and in economies the world over. We develop outstanding leaders who team to deliver on our promises to all of our stakeholders. In so doing, we play a critical role in building a better working world for our people, for our clients and for our communities.

EY is proudly celebrating 150 years in Canada. For more information, please visit ey.com/ca. Follow us on Twitter @EYCanada.

EY refers to the global organization and may refer to one or more of the 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. For more information about our organization, please visit ey.com.

About Ambir Solutions
Ambir Solutions is an independent, Atlantic Canadian-headquartered IT and business consulting firm. Well known in our community, our talented people are trusted to help our clients meet their business goals through our years of experience.  Ambir has been recognized nationally as #3 Great Place to Work in Canada (2013) and regionally as #1 Best Place to Work in Atlantic Canada (2007 & 2010).

Ambir has operations in Saint John, Fredericton, Halifax and St. John's.

SOURCE: ERNST & YOUNG

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