One of B.C.'s Largest Accounting Firms to Merge with MNP

KNV and MNP Merger to Benefit B.C. Marketplace

CALGARY, Jan. 8, 2015 /CNW/ - KNV Chartered Accountants LLP, the eighth largest accounting firm in B.C., will merge with MNP LLP, the fourth largest accounting firm in B.C. and the sixth-largest and fastest growing national accounting and business consulting firm in Canada, effective February 1, 2015. This merger will create the *third-largest accounting and consulting firm in B.C., by number of accountants,  which will benefit the B.C. marketplace with enhanced and expanded professional services.

"This is MNP's largest merger to date and has come at a great time. Our strategic plan calls for continued growth in B.C. so we were looking to add much-needed resources and talent, while KNV was seeking to grow with a firm that would complement its existing service offerings. Both our firms were looking to grow and to combine our expertise and leadership to help our clients achieve their growth targets. It's a win/win/win for both our firms and the marketplace," said Jason Tuffs, MNP's Executive Vice President for B.C.

Established in 1973, KNV has provided accounting, auditing, tax planning and business advisory services to corporate, public sector, not-for-profit and personal clients for over 40 years. Its head office is located in South Surrey, with offices in Vancouver and Kelowna. The firm consists of 14 partners and almost 200 additional professionals and support staff, making KNV one of the largest accounting firms in B.C. and a firm with deep knowledge of the B.C. economy.

In addition to tax and accounting expertise, both MNP and KNV deliver a diverse range of advisory services, including consulting, enterprise risk, corporate finance, valuation and litigation support, succession planning, estate planning, insolvency and restructuring, investigative and forensic accounting, cross-border taxation and more.

"As our clients' needs continued to grow, we recognized we also needed to grow," said Dave Mitchell, Partner, KNV. "With more than 80 offices across the country and over 3,300 team members, they have a large national presence and access to many experts and specialists, as well as access to a global network of accounting firms and affiliations through Praxity—an international alliance of independent accounting firms. Joining MNP was the right time, right place and right fit."

"British Columbia is a strategically important market for our firm" says  Daryl Ritchie, CEO of MNP. "We entered B.C. in 2002 and since that time have opened 15 locations from Vancouver Island, to the Caribou, the North East, the Okanagan and the Greater Vancouver Area.  We have established a large foot print in B.C. and we will continue to enhance our offerings for all the economic sectors of the Province.  We are excited to have the people of KNV join us, as a shared vision and culture – and a passion for British Columbia is very evident in our two firms" adds Ritchie.

Mitchell couldn't agree more and said both firms have strong cultures and values that are founded on an unwavering commitment to people. "MNP and KNV are fun and rewarding places to work and do business, where authentic relationships, an entrepreneurial spirit and a healthy balance between home and work life are at the core of how business is run. Our teams are looking forward to growing together."

Team members in KNV's and MNP's offices in Surrey, Vancouver and Kelowna will remain in their current locations until the firms can move into their new offices which will bring both teams together in all three locations.

About MNP LLP
MNP is one of the largest national accounting and consulting firms in Canada, providing client-focused accounting, taxation and consulting advice. National in scope and local in focus, MNP has proudly served individuals and public and private companies for more than 65 years.  Through the development of strong relationships, MNP provides personalized strategies and a local perspective to help them succeed.  For more information, visit www.mnp.ca.

*Source: Business in Vancouver; 2014 List of biggest accounting firms in BC

SOURCE MNP LLP

Daryl Ritchie, FCA, Chief Executive Officer, MNP LLP, P: 403.536.2193; Jason Tuffs, CA, Executive Vice President, B.C., MNP LLP, P: 604.637.1516; Dave Mitchell, CPA, FCA, Partner, KNV Chartered Accountants, P: 604.536.7614