Plante & Moran Bridges the Great Lakes with Chicago Merger: Expanded Midwest Presence is Goal for Accounting Leader


Southfield, Mich. --- Plante & Moran, PLLC, a leading regional public accounting and consulting firm in the Midwest, is moving full speed ahead with an aggressive growth strategy to further position it as the professional services firm of choice for middle market businesses in the Great Lakes region. The firm today announced a merger with the highly respected Chicago-based accounting firm of Gleeson, Sklar, Sawyers and Cumpata (GSS&C). This merger will create the 10th largest accounting firm in the US. The combined firm, operating as Plante & Moran, will include 18 offices, including three Illinois locations, 1300 staff members & combined revenues of $191 million.

Bill Hermann, CPA, Plante & Moran’s Managing Partner, says the firm’s newly extended geographic reach builds on the firm’s 80 years of growth in Michigan and Ohio.

“Our merger with GSS&C is an entrée into one of the nation’s largest markets. We’ll build on GSS&C’s 37 years in the Chicago area, and Plante & Moran’s 80 years building and growing in Michigan and Ohio, to create a dynamic client-focused business advisory firm that is committed to grow in the Chicago area.“

George Cumpata, CPA, Managing Partner of GSS&C, will continue to lead the Illinois region. He acknowledges the growing trend of smaller firms partnering with larger regional firms to expand client service capabilities.

“Depth of targeted industry services has been the cornerstone of GSS&C since its founding,” explains Cumpata. “Merging our capabilities with Plante & Moran, however, takes us to an even higher level and we know that our clients and staff will benefit greatly from the intellectual resources and cumulative experience that a larger firm provides.”

The merger with GSS&C follows several other recent developments for Plante & Moran, including:

• The celebration of its 80 year anniversary in 2004
• The creation of a new Columbus, Ohio office planned for July 2004 combining the firm’s existing suburban Dublin and Lancaster offices and a new office in Portage, Michigan, which will combine the firm’s existing offices in Kalamazoo and Battle Creek.
• Inclusion on the 2004 FORTUNE magazine list of “The 100 Best Companies to Work For” for the sixth consecutive year
• Recognition by the industry trade publication, CPA Personnel Report, that of the nation’s 15 largest firms, Plante & Moran has the highest percentage of female partners (19.1%)
• Wrapping up its responsibilities as lead auditor in the Enron bankruptcy investigation

Plante & Moran is a professional services firm offering fully integrated business advisory services to help our clients succeed. With certified public accountants and consulting specialists focused in specific industries, Plante & Moran’s services include technology and business consulting, assurance, tax, and family wealth management. Founded in 1924, Plante & Moran is the nation’s 11th largest certified public accounting and management consulting firm according to Public Accounting Report. Plante & Moran has been recognized by a number of organizations, including Fortune magazine, as one of the country’s best places to work. The firm has a staff of 1,200 professionals in 15 offices throughout Michigan and Ohio. Plante & Moran’s Internet address is www.plantemoran.com.

Gleeson, Sklar, Sawyers and Cumpata, LLP (GSS&C) is among Chicago’s top mid-sized accounting and management consulting firms, offering a unique portfolio of services to meet its clients’ needs. Founded in 1967, with offices in Chicago, Elgin, and Aurora, GSS&C serves small and middle-market closely and publicly held-companies in Chicagoland area and worldwide. GSS&C has grown to 120 professionals and is the 12th largest firm in Chicago according to Crain’s Chicago Business. GSS&C’s internet address is gsscllp.com.