BDO USA has acquired Peterson Sullivan LLP, a Seattle-based accounting and consulting firm. The transaction expands BDO’s Pacific Northwest practice with the addition of 175 partners and professionals, and is expected to close November 1, 2019.
“The addition of Peterson Sullivan strengthens BDO’s presence in the Pacific Northwest and creates a strong foundation as we continue to execute our targeted growth strategy,” Wayne Berson, CEO of BDO USA, said. “Peterson Sullivan and BDO share common values – believing strongly that an exceptional culture with exceptional people results in an exceptional client experience.”
Chicago-based BDO USA, the US member firm BDO International, has expanded revenues from $618 million in 2012 to $1.64 billion in 2019. In that time, the mid-market-focused consultancy has entered 24 new US cities and expanded its footprint within 13 existing markets.
Earlier this year, BDO absorbed Philadelphia-based management consultancy AC Lordi and New York-based turnaround and restructuring consultancy Loughlin Management Partners + Co.
The acquisition of Peterson Sullivan will temporarily create two Seattle locations for BDO, though the firm plans to eventually consolidate its offices into the current Peterson Sullivan location.
Founded in 1953, Peterson Sullivan provides accounting and consulting services to middle-market companies, nonprofits, and high-net-worth individuals. The firm’s advisory offerings span business strategy, M&A, M&A, litigation support, IT risk, data analytics, and wealth advisory.
The firm is the seventh largest CPA firm in the Puget Sound region, and was recently voted one of Washington’s Best Workplaces by the Puget Sound Business Journal and one of the country’s Best Accounting Firms to Work For by Accounting Today.
“Peterson Sullivan has built our reputation over the last 65 years by providing exceptional client service and developing deep connections within the community,” Chris Russell, managing partner of Peterson Sullivan, said. “In joining BDO, our clients will continue to receive the personalized and responsive attention they have come to expect, now with enhanced access to more specialized services, broader industry expertise, and BDO’s extensive global network.”
Russell will join BDO as market managing partner for Seattle.
Allan D. Koltin of Koltin Consulting Group advised both firms on the transaction. “Peterson Sullivan garnered interest from many national and mega-regional firms. Ultimately, they felt BDO provided their partners and associates with a great playbook and platform to expand services to their clients,” said Koltin.