PKF Hill LLP merges with Grant Thornton LLP

A brand on the move-Grant Thornton LLP announces merger in Toronto

TORONTO, Sept. 9 /CNW/ - National accounting, tax and business advisory firm Grant Thornton LLP announced today that Toronto-based accounting, tax and business advisory firm PKF Hill LLP will merge with the firm effective October 1, 2010.

"The PKF Hill team has built a very successful firm in Toronto and we are thrilled to have them join Grant Thornton. We are highly aligned in our commitment to client service excellence, professional quality, and creating an exceptional experience for our people," says Phil Noble, Executive Partner and Chief Executive Officer, Grant Thornton LLP. "Grant Thornton is a clear leader in providing services to privately held business, and we are privileged to work with some of Canada's most successful public and private organizations. We are a brand on the move and this particular merger is part of a very deliberate national strategy to cement our leadership position in an increasingly competitive marketplace. We have the resources to compete and the culture to differentiate," adds Mr. Noble.

"This is exciting news for all of us," says Peter Fullerton, Managing Partner, PKF Hill LLP. "Grant Thornton offers a unique value proposition for talented, like-minded professionals—access to resources and expertise both nationally and globally—combined with an entrepreneurial spirit and approach to the market place. It's a great fit for our clients and our people."

Mr. Fullerton adds that when it comes to their clients, it will be business as usual. "Our office location in north Toronto will not change and we're making every effort to ensure that our client engagement teams remain intact."

Anita Ferrari, Regional Managing Partner, Grant Thornton, Central Canada, commented, "The merger with PKF Hill expands our firm's footprint in Ontario and strengthens our service capabilities in the region. The PKF Hill team brings with them in-depth knowledge in a number of key industries and sectors and we're thrilled to be adding their experience to our own. In addition to two Toronto offices, in Ontario Grant Thornton also maintains practice offices in Barrie, Hamilton, London, Markham, Mississauga, New Liskeard, North Bay, Orillia, Port Colborne, Sault Ste. Marie, and Thunder Bay."

Effective October 1, 2010, the merged firm will operate as Grant Thornton LLP.

Notes to editors:

About Grant Thornton LLP

Grant Thornton LLP is a leading Canadian accounting and advisory firm providing audit, tax and advisory services to private and public organizations. Together with the Quebec firm Raymond Chabot Grant Thornton LLP, Grant Thornton has nearly 4,000 people in offices across Canada. Grant Thornton LLP is a Canadian member of Grant Thornton International Ltd, whose member firms operate in over 100 countries worldwide. In Ontario, Grant Thornton LLP has offices in Barrie, Hamilton, London, Markham, Mississauga, New Liskeard, North Bay, Orillia, Port Colborne, Sault Ste. Marie, Thunder Bay and Toronto.

For further information:

Andrea Mascarenhas
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