Burr Pilger is the larger firm, bringing 410 employees, 55 shareholders and six offices to the deal, while Windes has 140 people, 18 partners and four offices across Southern California. Both firms provide audit, tax, accounting and consulting services to privately-held and public companies, exempt organizations and high net worth individuals. The combined business will maintain all the offices and employees of both firms, and all shareholders will become shareholders of the enlarged business, which is predicted to have $100 million in revenue, according to the statement on the merger.

After the merger, which is targeted for completion on 1 January 2012, the firm will retain two slightly different brands; it will be known as BPM in Northern California and BPM Windes in Southern California. Steve Mayer, BPM managing partner, will be overall chief executive, but John Di Carlo, Windes managing partner, will remain responsible for the operations of BPM Windes.

“This will provide more resources for our existing clients, more opportunities for our employees, and a better competitive advantage for us in the marketplace,” said Di Carlo.

“This merger gives us significant opportunities to provide enhanced services and expertise to a full spectrum of businesses, organizations, and individuals throughout the United States and the rest of the world,” added Mayer.