Rich Rotstein LLP merges with Collins Barrow Toronto

TORONTO, Dec. 18, 2012 /CNW/ - Rich Rotstein, an accounting and consulting firm, is merging with Collins Barrow Toronto, one of the city's leading mid-market audit, tax and advisory firms. The move enables Collins Barrow Toronto to continue to build its presence regionally, while forming one of the largest valuation practices in all of Canada.

"This merger will be beneficial to both parties. Over the course of our discussions, it became clear that our firms were cut from the same cloth," says Larry Rich, Founding Partner of Rich Rotstein. "Both are unwavering in their dedication to delivering excellence, providing a superior client experience and increasing the knowledge required to continuously improve business. Collins Barrow Toronto represents the type of practice we aspire to - this decision ultimately brings our vision closer to fruition."

"Rich Rotstein's expertise in valuation and litigation support services allows Collins Barrow Toronto to build up the bench strength that will give us a competitive advantage in this area. The firm also includes a robust accounting practice, which serves public companies, not-for-profits and entrepreneurial clients," says Harry Blum, Managing Partner at Collins Barrow Toronto. "This merger furthers our strategy to increase market share by offering clients a one-stop service platform."

Thirty-three people strong, Rich Rotstein's team will remain intact after the merger. Anticipating greater efficiencies, enabled by increased capacity and knowledge resources that are available through Collins Barrow Toronto, the team looks forward to providing a greater range of services to clients while maintaining its current cost structure.

"In many ways the merger supports business as usual - clients can continue to count on us for the same quality service and pricing. That said, we are gaining deepened expertise to enrich our engagements," says Ian Wollach, Partner and leader of the firm's litigation support practice. "As part of Collins Barrow, we will be able to provide a broader range of service offerings in damage quantification and litigation support to the litigation community."

Recognized as a leading mid-market firm, Collins Barrow Toronto is aggressively expanding its private company accounting practice and deepening specialty offerings.

"Today we are growing strategically, aligning ourselves with top talent and becoming indispensable advisors," says Harry. "As we increase our footprint in the Toronto market, we remain mindful of the advantages we offer as a mid-sized firm. While Collins Barrow Toronto is developing its offerings to encompass the extensive knowledge and resources that are typical of a larger firm, we continue to combine this with boutique-style service."

SOURCE: Collins Barrow National Cooperative Incorporated