RSM Canada scoops up three Collins Barrow offices in Alberta
RSM Canada, launched in 2017 and part of the sixth largest professional services network in the world, has expanded its presence into Western Canada. The firm has added the 29 partners and over 200 professionals of three Collins Barrow offices in Alberta.
Established in 1964 and headquartered in London, UK, RSM is the sixth largest professional services network in the world, with 43,000 employees and 813 offices in 120 countries. Last year, its global revenues grew 5.6% to $5.1 billion.
At the end of last year, the firm expanded into Canada with the acquisition of the Toronto office of accounting and advisory firm Collins Barrow. RSM Canada was formed out of the 37 partners and almost 300 professionals of Collins Barrow Toronto, with the acquired firm’s head Harry Blum becoming the leader of RSM Canada. As of 2015, Collins Barrow was the eighth largest accounting firm network in Canada.
In addition to audit and tax, RSM provides consulting services in the areas of strategy, risk, IT, legal, restructuring, transactions, and wealth management. Audit and tax is delivered through RSM Canada LLP, while RSM Canada Consulting LP provides consulting offerings.
The firm has now expanded its footprint into Western Canada with the acquisition of three additional Collins Barrow offices in Calgary, Red Deer, and Edmonton, Alberta. The move adds to RSM a team of 29 partners and over 200 professionals serving almost 11,000 clients in Alberta and beyond.
The offices have keen insights into and strong relationships with local clients – including oil and gas, real estate, agriculture, and manufacturing.
The deal is part of an overarching firm strategy that is seeking to expand beyond Toronto and Alberta to even more key markets across the country. “We launched RSM Canada with RSM US LLP in 2017 with the goal of establishing a strong global brand throughout Canada,” commented Harry Blum, managing partner, RSM Canada.
By joining the RSM network, the Albertan Collins Barrows offices gain access to the global capabilities and expertise of RSM’s worldwide network of professionals. This is increasingly critical as clients routinely conduct international business in a globalizing world. “As part of a global network, we can offer exciting growth and training opportunities, the latest technology and tools, and the chance to work with and benefit from the experience and knowledge of others throughout the province, Canada and the world,” said David Hird, RSM Canada’s new managing partner in Calgary.
Douglas Kroetsch, managing partner, Edmonton, added: “At the same time, we'll enhance our commitment to our local communities while maintaining our local touch and culture, as well as the personalized service that has made us successful.”
