PHILADELPHIA, May 4, 2011 /PRNewswire/ — Philadelphia-based ParenteBeard LLC, the largest CPA firm headquartered in Pennsylvania, and McCrory & McDowell, LLC, one of the largest Pittsburgh based accounting and consulting firms, announced today they will combine practices, effective June 1, 2011. This combination expands the firm’s Pittsburgh presence, creating the largest single office for the firm which will operate under the name ParenteBeard.

“McCrory & McDowell has a reputation for excellence and an entrepreneurial spirit that is consistent with the values and principles of our firm,” said Bob Ciaruffoli, ParenteBeard Chief Executive Officer. “This combination capitalizes on the strengths of both firms to create a unique, significant CPA and consulting services firm in the Pittsburgh region, which will benefit our clients, our team members and the larger business community.”

ParenteBeard is the Mid Atlantic’s leading regional Certified Public Accounting and business advisory firm with 1000 employees serving middle market and small business clients. The 145 partner firm has locations in Pennsylvania, New York, New Jersey, Maryland, Delaware and Texas. The firm is ranked among the Top 25 firms in the USA and is an independent member of Baker Tilly International, one of the world’s top 10 accountancy and business services networks with 150 independent member firms in 120 countries.

Established in 1951, McCrory & McDowell brings 11 partners and 70 team members to the combined practice. Both firms provide comprehensive audit, accounting, tax, and consulting services to large and small companies in a wide variety of industries. Additionally, McCrory & McDowell’s Dewey & Kaye division, the region’s largest nonprofit consulting group, provides specialized consulting services to nonprofit organizations, including strategic planning and executive search.

McCrory & McDowell founding partners Ken McCrory and Mike McDowell expressed their excitement about the upcoming merger. “This combination will provide significant advantages to our clients along with great opportunities for our partners and employees,” said Ken McCrory. “The merger will make us larger and more diverse while expanding our established presence in Pittsburgh. We’ll be able to offer tremendous options for all size businesses seeking comprehensive accounting and advisory solutions. Our 60 year commitment to client service is now enhanced with added resources and capabilities. Expanded service offerings, within the region and beyond, will allow our clients and employees to thrive and grow.”

Mike McDowell says he expects the transition will be seamless as both firms share the same values, culture and commitment to quality services. “While McCrory & McDowell’s name is changing to ParenteBeard, clients will still be working with the same people they have come to know and trust through the years. In combining with ParenteBeard, we are positioning ourselves to strengthen the range of personalized services we deliver,” noted McDowell. “By delivering the exceptional client service that is our hallmark, we will continue to provide our clients with the caliber of professional services they have come to expect.”

About ParenteBeard

ParenteBeard is the Mid Atlantic’s leading regional Certified Public Accounting and business advisory firm with over 1,000 employees serving middle market and small business clients across the region. The 145 partner firm has offices located in Pennsylvania, New York, New Jersey, Maryland, Delaware and Texas. The firm is ranked among the Top 25 firms in the USA and is an independent member of Baker Tilly International.

About McCrory & McDowell

McCrory & McDowell LLC traces its existence to 1951. The current name was adopted in 1983 when Mike McDowell joined Ken McCrory to turn a sole practice into a partnership. Today, the firm ranks as one of the largest Pittsburgh-based accounting and consulting firms, offering a wide range of client focused services including McCrory & McDowell’s accounting, tax, and business consulting practices as well as Dewey & Kaye’s nonprofit consulting and search activities.

For more information, please visit ParenteBeard at www.parentebeard.com

SOURCE ParenteBeard LLC