Baker Tilly to join RSM International network

BAKER Tilly will become RSM International’s UK member firm later this year, it has announced.

The accountancy and advisory firm, which has a large operation in Birmingham, will formally join RSM International later this year on completion of a notice period with the Baker Tilly International network.

During this transition period, the firm will continue to trade as Baker Tilly, but said it will “disclose prominently” that it is an independent member of RSM International, after which the firm will then formally adopt the global network name and corporate identity.

Baker Tilly acquired RSM International’s previous UK member firm, RSM Tenon, in August last year, creating a firm of around 3,500 partners and staff and a fee income of more than £300m.

As the seventh largest accountancy firm in the UK, Baker Tilly has more than 40 offices.

It said: “The acquisition of RSM Tenon gave Baker Tilly the opportunity to consider its international network membership options and, after a period of detailed consideration, the firm felt RSM was better aligned with Baker Tilly’s client needs and international growth aspirations.”

Jean Stephens, CEO of RSM International, said: “I am delighted Baker Tilly will be joining the RSM network as our UK member firm. Their admission will be of significant benefit to clients of RSM member firms across the globe.”

Laurence Longe, Baker Tilly’s managing partner, added: “Membership in the dynamic global network of RSM will bring huge benefits to Baker Tilly and we believe it to be in the best interests of our clients, partners and staff.

“We are proud of the quality of our service delivery and our excellent client list and have full confidence that RSM member firms will help us deliver the services our expanding international client base requires.

“Our firm’s strategic vision fits perfectly with that of RSM and we are very pleased to be joining such a vibrant, forward-thinking network.”