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September 23, 2023

Davis and Whitley Get Shafted in Latest Accounting Firm Merger

Elliott Davis and Whitley Penn merger

There’s a new megafirm on the block and it’s called Elliott Penn LLP. Not quite as ✨dynamic✨ as Forvis but we can’t all have forward vision now can we?

Since people are already getting dissed by this arrangement, here is the Whitley Penn press release and here is the same exact thing from Elliott Davis, pick your link. The details:

The leading accounting firms of Whitley Penn LLP and Elliott Davis, LLC announce today that they will join forces and merge to form Elliott Penn LLP, a business solutions firm with approximately $400 million in revenue at the time of combination. By proactively bringing these two firms together, Elliott Penn leverages the strengths of both firms and establishes a footprint predominantly positioned in the fastest growing markets in the country.

With a network of 1400 forward-thinking professionals and 16 offices across the South, Elliott Penn will be uniquely positioned to respond to changing market forces by fueling growth and opportunity while providing greater depth of talent and broader resources for its customers. The new firm’s combined resources will create exceptional career opportunities for its people and expand the reach of its national practices and industry specialties even further. The merger of equals is expected to close November 1, 2022, subject to customary closing conditions.

*ahem*

“They want to call the agency Sterling Cooper & Partners,” Bert Cooper announced in Don’s office. “It would depend on Don, Jim and me all sharing the blow,” Ted Chaough added.

“It’s the only thing that’s equally offensive to all,” Jim Cutler sighed.

So Don agreed, and Pete had a mini-freakout, calling the new name a “consolation prize.” Then, he stole Stan’s joint and toked up right in the office. [Mad Men Season 6 Episode 10 “A Tale of Two Cities”]

Fort Worth, TX based Whitley Penn ranked No. 40 on Accounting Today’s 2022 list of the Top 100 Firms with $164.8 million in annual revenue. Greenville, SC’s Elliott Davis ranked No. 45 on that same list with $141 million in annual revenue [AT]

Wait hol up. 164 + 141 is…you know what, never mind.

Congrats to the happy couple, we wish you many billable hours together.

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