Only a few months after announcing a large “strategic investment” deal with not one but two private equity firms, Baker Tilly has gobbled up its first medium-sized fish. Announced today, they’re buying Seiler (IPA Top 500 #69, $86.9 million in revenue) effective July 1.
The press release reveals a clue to Baker Tilly’s big plan: get in on that sweet Bay Area tech money.
This move represents Baker Tilly’s commitment to expanding its footprint in the San Francisco Bay Area, reinforcing its dedication to delivering unparalleled service to family offices and ultra-high-net-worth clients.
With a 65-year legacy, Seiler has established itself as an iconic advisory, tax and accounting services provider with deep roots in the Silicon Valley and the San Francisco Bay Area. Seiler’s reputable work serving ultra-high-net-worth individuals, families, closely held enterprises and non-profit organizations across the country strengthens Baker Tilly’s expertise in this space and its dedication to delivering tailored solutions and fostering enduring client relationships. Seiler’s legacy speaks volumes about its expertise and influence, making it a natural choice for Baker Tilly as it seeks to bolster its Bay Area presence and capabilities.
“The Bay Area market is a major business incubator on the West Coast and an international connection point,” said Baker Tilly Bay Area Managing Partner Lynette Stolarzyk. “Our combination with Seiler will enable us to continue growing and injecting innovation, value creation and an elevated customer experience in this pivotal market.”
The deal will involve some personnel changes. Seiler CEO George Marinos will become Baker Tilly’s Regional Tax Leader – Western U.S., succeeding Gabe Torre who will step into the role of Managing Partner – Western U.S. That means current Western MP Steve Milner (“with an illustrious 35-year career at Baker Tilly and Squar Milner,” the press release adds) will retire. Seiler Partner Ron LaVelle will be Baker Tilly Private Wealth practice leader.
We’ve been hearing rumors of some other personnel changes at Baker Tilly that won’t be making press releases if you catch our drift. If you happen to know anything about that, get in touch by text or email (anonymous, always).
Baker Tilly strengthens Bay Area presence with Seiler acquisition [Baker Tilly]
Witnessing the eventual demise of the Accounting profession. Coming after money rather than the profession’s independence, in fact and in appearance, is shameful. Expect the profession to be more like the high-paid criminal attorneys winning cases for their guilty clients. Accounting and auditing standards will continue to “evolve” as the profession itself always say, but only to address standard loop holes which they themselves, the foresight-less standard-setters, created.