Two Queensland-based accounting firms have agreed to merge with the amalgamated entity set to grow its reach further across the northern state.
Moore Stephens in Brisbane and Pickards BDS will merge on 1 July as the new firm, Moore Stephens Queensland.
The new firm is set to boost more than 175 staff across seven offices throughout Queensland including Brisbane, Townsville, Cairns, Tully, Innisfail, Ayr and Home Hill.
Pickards BDS managing partner, Ken Pickard said the merger will establish a unique major accounting and business advisory firm with the ability to deliver services across the whole of the state.
“The combined firm will be the sixth largest Queensland firm with a full range of services,” he said.
“We see the merger as being particularly important for the accelerated growth of our audit, forensic, tax and financial planning divisions – and the synergies in our expertise in the rural, construction and property industries will result in enhanced opportunities for the new firm,” he added.
Moore Stephens Queensland will adopt a corporate structure including a board with an independent chairman.
Pickards BDS’ current chairman and former managing partner of Ernst and Young, Neil Summerson, will be the merged group’s chairman.
Other members of the initial board will include two executive members from Moore Stephens Brisbane, two executive members from Pickards BDS and two independent/non-executive members.
The chief executive of the merged business will be Pickards BDS’ chief David Kippin.
