Russell Bedford Austin Member Merges with San Francisco Bay Area Firm

London, United Kingdom, February 07, 2013 --(PR.com)-- Austin-based PMB Helin Donovan LLP, a member of the Russell Bedford CPA firm network, has merged with BBR LLP, a leading firm from the San Francisco Bay Area. The combined firm will operate under the PMB Helin Donovan name.

The merger increases PMB Helin Donovan’s revenues by 30 percent, to more than $21 million annually. That revenue means it becomes one of the top 150 accounting firms in the USA, up roughly 50 spots from its ranking prior to the merger.

All 40 of BBR’s employees and partners become part PMB Helin Donovan, bringing the firm’s total headcount up to approximately 165 employees. The BBR employees are spread amongst three Bay Area locations: Walnut Creek, Carmel and Salinas, CA – boosting PMB Helin Donovan’s physical presence to nine offices in four states.

This represents the third significant merger PMB Helin Donovan has made since early 2011, when the firm announced a growth strategy based largely on merging with other regional accounting firms across the country.

“This latest merger is another example of our strategic approach to growth coming to fruition. Our goal is to become one of the Top 100 firms, but just as importantly is how we’re going to get there. We’re growing through well thought-out and carefully executed alignments with firms that share similar values and philosophies,” said Tom Wilkinson, CPA, managing partner of PMB Helin Donovan. “Speed isn’t nearly as important as finding solid fits. We’re thrilled we found another great fit with BBR.”

Chris Steinbruner was BBR’s managing partner, and has been named PMB Helin Donovan’s new West Coast Tax Partner in Charge.

“PMB shares the same approach to business that made us successful over the years. That’s the key reason we believe this will be good for our clients and good for our firm,” Steinbruner said.

The merger with BBR comes at the same time PMB Helin Donovan is launching a new client accounting services division, which will offer out-sourced accounting services to small and medium-sized businesses and not-for-profit organizations. Wilkinson notes this service offering is a particular strength of Steinbruner’s team. The services will be offered in all nine offices.

“We’re increasing our physical presence in a state with the largest gross state product in the nation. At the same time we’re adding a key service we think our core client base will receive very warmly,” Wilkinson said.

PMB Helin Donovan has been a member of the Russell Bedford International CPA firm association since 2002.

For further information, contact Tom Wilkinson on +1 512 258 9670. Alternatively, visit the websites at www.pmbhd.com and www.russellbedford.com.

Note to Editors

About Russell Bedford International

Established in 1983, Russell Bedford International is a global network of independent firms of accountants, auditors, tax advisers and business consultants.

Ranked amongst the world's leading accounting and audit networks, Russell Bedford is represented by some 460 partners, 5000 staff and 200 offices in more than 80 countries in Europe, the Americas, the Middle East, Africa and Asia-Pacific.

All Russell Bedford affiliates are well-established firms offering international business advice and services to local and multinational clients. Most provide a full range of services comprising accounting, auditing, tax advice, general business guidance and financial consulting. In addition, many have special expertise in particular fields, such as international taxation or information technology.

In January 2008 Russell Bedford International was named one of the first 17 full members of the IFAC Forum of Firms after reporting it had implemented a globally coordinated quality assurance programme, committed to the use of International Standards on Auditing (ISAs), and met other specific ethics requirements.