Plante & Moran Kicks Off Service In Chicagoland, Finalizing Merger With Gleeson, Sklar, Sawyers & Cumpata

Combined Expertise Brings a Different Kind of Accounting Firm to Area

CHICAGO---May 3, 2004--- The finalization today of the merger between Plante & Moran – the nation’s tenth largest accounting firm – and Gleeson, Sklar, Sawyers and Cumpata creates a firm with powerful resources and strong capabilities for middle-market companies.

Plante & Moran is the only firm among the top 10 in the nation to have achieved that ranking through focused growth in the Midwest. While serving major companies throughout the nation, the firm’s primary strength has been in working with middle-market companies.

“Chicago is highly competitive, but we believe our middle market expertise combined with our Midwest roots and national capabilities will truly set Plante & Moran apart from other firms,” said Bill Hermann, managing partner for Plante & Moran. “Chicago’s business environment truly calls for such accounting services, but this niche was never really filled until now.”

Plante & Moran’s new offices in Chicago, Elgin and Aurora will provide clients with an expanded and enhanced portfolio of services for several new industries. The Chicagoland offices will add litigation and special services, such as bankruptcy, strategic business planning, and turnaround to their service offerings. They will also build out their practices to serve automotive dealerships, not-for-profit and governmental organizations, and health care businesses. Additionally, the Chicagoland offices will increase their focus in services for real estate, construction and manufacturing/distribution.

“Through this merger we are expanding the services and expertise our clients want, and providing them with the benefits of a large firm with a regional network of offices throughout Michigan, Ohio and Illinois,” said George Cumpata, who assumes the title of managing partner for Illinois. “We think these benefits will truly resonate with current and potential middle market and Midwestern companies, and look forward to growing our firm strategically to meet clients’ needs.”

Plante & Moran’s Chicagoland offices, which include 105 partners, directors, and staff members, will also continue to provide audit, accounting, tax, IT consulting/security, and management consulting services.

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 now the nation’s 10th 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. Effective May 1, the firm has a staff of more than 1,300 professionals in 18 offices throughout Michigan, Ohio and Illinois. Plante & Moran’s Internet address is www.plantemoran.com.