Ross accounting firm agrees to buyout

Malin Bergquist & Co. LLP, a public accounting firm based in Ross, agreed to be acquired by BKD LLP in Springfield, Mo., a larger firm that gains a Pennsylvania presence with the deal.

Financial terms of the deal, which is effective Oct. 1, were not disclosed. Malin Bergquist, which has offices in Ross and Erie, will be renamed BKD, and none of its 75 employees will be laid off, according to Malin Bergquist.

BKD is one of the nation's largest public accounting and advisory firms, with about 2,100 employees, including 250 partners. It has 31 offices in 14 states, but none in Pennsylvania.

“We view our joining BKD being a great growth opportunity for our firm and are hopeful to double in size within the next five years,” said Jeffrey Deane, CEO of Malin Bergquist, in an e-mailed response to questions. Deane will join BKD as managing partner of the merged firm's Pennsylvania offices.

Deane said the combination with BKD will help the firm expand its business in Pennsylvania to health care companies, banks and universities. Malin Bergquist is known for serving foreign-owned and closely held companies in manufacturing, distribution and other businesses, as well as tax-exempt organizations.

BKD's broad practice includes areas such as corporate finance, wealth management, private equity, business transition, international, forensics, business valuation and technology. It also provides specialized consulting services to health care providers, banks, energy providers and other businesses.

Thomas Olson is a Trib Total Media staff writer. He can be reached at 412-320-7854 or tolson@tribweb.com.