Professional services giants partner to create £4bn network

Professional services firms Mazars and Forvis have come together to launch a £4bn global network, making it the largest new entrant into the global rankings in decades.

The new network which will be known as Forvis Mazars, is classed as a top ten global network comprising 40,000 people.

Forvis acquired the U.S. unit of Mazars, a move that will allow Mazars to build on its existing U.S. presence and Forvis to have an international reach.

Operations in the UK known as Forvis Mazars LLP and Forvis Mazars Group, which spans more than 100 countries with a combined 400 offices.

In Birmingham, the team says that it has already had interest from the US to build lines of communication with the business community.

It is set to enhance its strong pre-existing relationship with FORVIS through its delivery of audit, tax and advisory assignments to clients both with US and UK interests.

The regional office in Birmingham will continue with Mazars’ existing team and services, providing continuity for clients alongside a range of longer-term benefits with time.

Through Forvis Mazars, Birmingham office clients will have access to an expansive range of services, knowledge and advice, alongside the local expertise they currently receive. The network also enables additional agility to support clients with a competitive offering and will particularly benefit businesses that want to grow or establish their footprint in the US.

New opportunities will be created for employees in Birmingham, such as working on international assignments, secondments and reciprocal training programmes.

Hervé Hélias, CEO and Chairman, Forvis Mazars adds: “This is a momentous and exciting time for our clients, our profession and our people. Mazars and Forvis have worked together for over 20 years and share a commitment to delivering an outstanding client experience.

“We are well positioned to deliver excellence, everywhere, under a single global brand. Clients will get consistent, high-quality, comprehensive services worldwide, and we remain agile and flexible to their specific needs. Working together, I am confident that our two firms will continue to empower our people to raise the bar for client service standards, while challenging industry opportunities to support future needs in local markets.”

Stephen Lewis, Birmingham Office Managing Partner at Forvis Mazars said: “The creation of the Forvis Mazars network is incredibly exciting, creating more opportunities for both our clients and employees. Birmingham is recognised as a major international business hub, particularly for manufacturing, automotive, financial services, pharmaceutical and life sciences. We have clients in these sectors who will benefit from our enhanced presence in the US as part of their growth plans.

“Our global network provides access to on the ground expertise to help us better service our current and prospective clients. In turn, we can support US businesses who want to grow their presence here and establish lines of communication with the Birmingham business community. We look forward to developing even stronger relationships with our colleagues in the US and providing our team in Birmingham with new opportunities as a result.”