Hydrogen and oxygen are essential elements and together they make a big
splash. The same can be said for the merger of Plante
Moran and Blackman
Kallick, two of the nation’s most well-respected accounting, tax and
consulting firms who are making a big splash in Chicago.
Plante
Moran and Blackman
Kallick, LLP, announced today they will merge effective July 1, 2012
to form Chicago’s leading firm focused on the needs of Midwest
middle-market companies.
The combined firm will be the seventh largest accounting firm in Chicago
with three local offices serving more than 5,000 clients, primarily in
the manufacturing, real estate and construction, financial institutions,
private equity and venture capital, not-for-profit, services and
technology industries.
“When I think about this merger, I can’t help but think about the
synergy it creates,” said Plante Moran managing partner Gordon Krater.
“The combination strengthens both firms beyond the market leadership
position they currently enjoy and raises the bar to create Chicago’s
preeminent accounting, tax, and consulting firm for clients and staff.
It’s incredibly exciting.”
“Middle-market companies are a leading indicator of America’s future
competitiveness,” Krater added. “Middle-market companies today require a
higher level of sophistication and expertise in dealing with the complex
issues they face as they expand globally, meet new competitors, grapple
with financing alternatives, and plan for succession. Our combination
establishes us as a top resource in Chicago focused on this vital
middle-market segment.”
Plante Moran and Blackman Kallick have served business leaders
throughout the Midwest for nearly 140 years combined. Together, they
will employ 2,000 staff members in 22 offices in Illinois, Michigan, and
Ohio and three offices internationally. Combined revenue for both firms
in 2011 was approximately $375 million.
Steven Schneider, managing partner for Blackman Kallick, will oversee
the newly joined offices in downtown Chicago.
“Through this agreement, we are reinforcing our long-standing and strong
commitment to Chicago businesses, our staff, and the community,”
Schneider said. “Chicago is poised, at this moment, for incredible
growth as well as increased global recognition as an economic engine. By
means of this merger, we are even better positioned to help our clients,
both present and future, take advantage of this unique opportunity.”
Several organizations and media outlets have recognized both firms’
cultures and management. Plante Moran has been named one of the best
places to work by FORTUNE for 14 years in a row, and locally by Crain’s
Chicago Business in 2012 as a best place to work and a best place to
work for women. Additionally, Inside Public Accounting named
Blackman Kallick as a “Best of the Best” firm each of the last five
years.
For more information, visit www.bkmerger.plantemoran.com.
About Plante
Moran
Plante Moran is among the nation’s largest certified public accounting
and business advisory firms, providing clients with tax, audit, risk
management, financial, technology, business consulting, and wealth
management services. Plante Moran has a staff of more than 1,700
professionals throughout Michigan, Ohio, and Illinois with international
offices in Shanghai, China; Monterrey, Mexico; and Mumbai, India. Plante
Moran has been recognized by a number of organizations, including
FORTUNE magazine, as one of the country’s best places to work.
About Blackman
Kallick
Blackman Kallick provides audit, tax, and consulting services for
privately held and not-for-profit organizations. Founded in 1962,
Blackman Kallick is the ninth largest accounting and consulting firm in
Chicago (Crain’s Chicago Business, October 17, 2011), and employs more
than 220 professionals. Specialized industry practices include Emerging
Enterprises and Technology, Manufacturing and Distribution,
Construction, Family Office, Food, Hospitality, Insurance,
Not-for-Profit, Private Equity and Venture Capital, Real Estate, and
Healthcare Services. Blackman Kallick combines sophisticated,
market-leading services with an accessible and personal approach.
