TROY and GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – Doeren Mayhew, the 60th largest U.S. certified public accounting and advisory firm, announced it has merged with Grand Rapids-based accounting firm Beene Garter LLP
The merger was effective Jan. 1.
“Doeren Mayhew is making strategic choices to grow in the right markets, with the right partners to fuel our ambitious five-year growth plan. This acquisition does just that,” said Chad Anschuetz, managing shareholder and chairman of Doeren Mayhew. “Beene Garter is a perfect fit for us. The firm brings deep industry experience and technical expertise complementary to ours, along with a rich history and strong roots in the West Michigan market. We are excited to welcome the Beene Garter team to our firm and look forward to strengthening our position in the region and focusing on our clients’ success.”
The union brings added bench strength for both firms. Together, they will bolster existing service line offerings and industry expertise, while also broadening technical and industry capabilities beyond their current reach. Both firms share competencies in audit and domestic tax, in addition to specializing in the manufacturing, wholesale and distribution, construction and non-profit industries.
Founded in 1949, Beene Garter is West Michigan’s largest independently owned accounting firm. Recently, the firm was ranked as No. 226 on INSIDE Public Accounting’s annual list of the nation’s largest firms in terms of revenue.
Doeren Mayhew will expand its presence to the West Michigan market through the addition of Beene Garter’s single Grand Rapids office, and the firm’s 15 partners and 100-plus employees – all of whom will become Doeren Mayhew employees.
The office will continue to operate and serve clients as normal under the name Beene Garter, A Doeren Mayhew Firm for a transitional period of time until it takes on the Doeren Mayhew name exclusively.
Beene Garter’s managing partner, Thomas Rosenbach, said the firm has “always been focused” on serving clients, and that won’t change.
“I’m proud of the firm we’ve built, and Doeren Mayhew is the right firm to partner with for our future and our clients,” Rosenbach said. “We can continue the close relationships we have with our clients while providing them greater access to resources and services. It’s all about mutual success.“
Doeren Mayhew will capitalize on Beene Garter’s food and agribusiness knowledge, and state and local tax expertise, plus its Sage Intacct, third-party retirement plan administration and payroll practices. Beene Garter clients will benefit from an expanded suite of non-traditional CPA services Doeren Mayhew offers in areas such as investment banking, real estate advisory, cybersecurity, SOC reporting and international advisory, as well as a reach beyond the local region to support their own expansion efforts.
As affiliate members of the Moore Global Limited Network, the firms are no strangers. Over the years, they have worked together and shared an admiration for each other’s business models, leadership teams and client-service philosophies.
“We have known and respected Doeren Mayhew for many years. They are the Beene Garter of East Michigan,” Rosenbach said. “Decisions like this are never easy, but the common trust and respect between our firms, and our similar values and goals makes the path much clearer. We’re excited to build our future with them.”
Anshuetz is equally excited.
“Through our involvement in the Moore network and projects we have collaborated on in the past, we recognize Beene Garter as a like-minded firm,” Anschuetz said. “Together, we will continue to focus on helping clients achieve their goals and inspiring our employees’ careers.”
With more than 500 people in nine offices in Michigan, Texas, Florida, North Carolina and Europe, this consolidation makes Doeren Mayhew the fourth largest Michigan-based CPA firm and propels it closer to the top 50 spot in the United States.
Consolidating the two firms’ extensive construction practices is expected to boost its existing number 24 ranking amongst the Top Construction Accounting Firms in the nation.
