We had blogged earlier that the number 5 and number 6 accounting firms in Canada, namely BDO Dunwoody LLP and Grant Thornton LLP had started talks to merge their practices to become one of the largest accounting firms in the country and a clear alternative to the Big Four firms. Culture clash and amicable settlement of monies/rights between partners were two potential risks which we thought could put a spanner in the works.
Now the Big Four firms can rest with some ease.
Yesterday we see news reports that these firms’ Boards announced plans to end their merger discussions. There was no specific reasons stated which led to cessation of discussions. While the advantages of merger were clear, so it appeared did the challenges of coming together.
The press release says,” The due diligence process had proceeded amicably and with the cooperation of both firms, but despite best efforts the two firms were unable to overcome the challenges, and therefore were unable to complete the process to the satisfaction of all
involved.”
Somehow we believe that the parties could not fully put their heads together on how power, organization and profits were going to be shared. We look to our readers to see if they have any insights on why this merger did not go through as planned.
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