Wauwatosa-based CPA firm Wipfli LLP has hired all 50 employees of Bedford, New Hampshire-based CPA firm Howe, Riley & Howe, effective Jan. 1.
HRH, which was established in 1950, also has an office in Portsmouth, New Hampshire. It offers accounting, assurance and tax services for private businesses, nonprofits and entrepreneurs across New England. Of the 50 employees joining Wipfli, six are partners. The company plans to keep both offices open and operate them as Wipfli/Howe, Riley & Howe for “a period of time.”
Wipfli is the 20th largest CPA firm in the U.S., and has 47 offices in the U.S. and India. As of June, the company had 50 offices just in the U.S. A spokesman said some of Wipfli’s recent combinations have included cities with multiple offices in close proximity, so it has consolidated some locations. Wipfli now has more than 2,200 employees.
Wipfli has been rapidly expanding via acquisition over the past several years. In 2018, Wipfli acquired Deerfield, Illinois-based Kessler Orlean Silver; Denver, Colorado-based Bauerle and Co. P.C.; Ukiah, California-based Price Waterman; and South Portland, Maine-based Macpage LLC.
Rick Dreher, managing partner of Wipfli, said the addition of HRH expands Wipfli’s geographic footprint in New England.
“…Howe, Riley & Howe has a strong reputation for providing top-quality and innovative services to clients, which greatly complements Wipfli’s long history and dedication to exceptional client service,” Dreher said. “We are pleased to welcome the partners and associates of Howe, Riley & Howe to Wipfli and look forward to moving forward as one firm.”
Alison Perella, co-managing partner of HRH, said combining with Wipfli will allow the firm to offer more consulting resources and expertise.
“Change is occurring at a strong pace for our clients and Howe, Riley & Howe has a long history of helping our clients navigate change to achieve success in the marketplace,” Perella said. “This combination with Wipfli will enhance our ability to continue to meet and exceed the evolving needs of our clients.”
Allan Koltin, chief executive officer of Koltin Consulting Group, advised both HRH and Wipfli on the merger.
“For Wipfli, this combination fits perfectly with Macpage… and will give them the depth and resources to compete for clients of all sizes in the region,” Koltin said. “I wouldn’t be surprised to see Wipfli continue its expansion in the New England market in 2019.”