United as one! Wolrige Mahon, Collins Barrow Vancouver and CW Group have joined forces
Vancouver, B.C. – Wolrige Mahon, Collins Barrow Vancouver and CW Group from Toronto are pleased to announce they have merged. All three financial service firms share the same dedication to entrepreneurialism and professional excellence, and will be united under the new name Baker Tilly WM LLP. The newly consolidated firm will be a dominant force serving audit, accounting, business advisory and tax clients in the key financial districts of Toronto and Vancouver, as a member of the Baker Tilly Canada Cooperative, the country’s largest association of independent chartered accounting firms and the true national mid-market alternative.
The strong legacy of all three independent firms – offering a full range of services – endures in this new evolution with Baker Tilly WM LLP now functioning as one of the largest independent firms specializing in small to mid-market companies. Combining resources and expertise to provide innovative and comprehensive services, their partners and professionals are well positioned to adapt to an ever-changing financial climate and enhance client value. The firm’s ownership structure will not change. Baker Tilly WM LLP will remain independent, all-Canadian and deeply committed to its local markets from coast to coast. The firm will continue to offer the same audit, tax and advisory services and fee structures.
Baker Tilly WM LLP will have two main bases of operations in Canada: The former CW Group office at 200 University Avenue will be its Toronto headquarters. Its staff of 30 professionals will be led by managing partner John Sinclair, alongside partners, Eric Walker, and Steven Frye, who will remain partners in the firm.
The Baker Tilly WM LLP Vancouver head office (located in the former Wolrige Mahon office at 400 Burrard Street) will be led by 16 partners, overseen by managing partner Paul Websdale. Websdale and his leadership team will be overseeing a staff of more than 130 specialized accounting and tax professionals, from both the Collins Barrow Vancouver and Wolrige Mahon practices.
“Ingrained in our firms’ philosophy is an unwavering commitment to quality and exceptional service,” said Paul Websdale, managing partner of the new Baker Tilly WM in Vancouver. “This merger only enhances our ability to serve our clients with excellence. They will now experience the best of both worlds – close, personal service as always, augmented with national and even global resources and capabilities.”
“Each of our firms bring extensive experience to the table,” said John Sinclair, managing partner of the firm’s Toronto office. “Throughout our respective histories we have all demonstrated an unyielding commitment to clients and industry leadership. Together, our combined firm is the only independent mid-market player to service both major Canadian markets.”
“We have always sought to be our clients’ most trusted advisor, working to maximize opportunities in all areas of their business,” said Jim Church of the former Collins Barrow Vancouver. “As we expand resources and enhance the depth and breadth of our offerings, we’ll strengthen our resolve and renew our commitment to client success.”
“Our mission has always been to empower our clients to achieve their financial objectives,” said Eric Walker, managing partner of CW Group and now a partner in the combined firm. “And with the consolidation of all our resources, as well as connections through Baker Tilly International, we believe we’re better situated to achieve this than ever before.”
The new firm has a unique service and delivery philosophy amongst Canadian firms; to fill market gaps by utilizing national and international platforms, while never compromising on client care at local level.
“Baker Tilly WM is a fantastic addition to the Baker Tilly Canada National network. The evolving marketplace requires new, innovative approaches to maintain competitiveness and efficient service delivery for our clients,” said Grant Galbraith, chair of Baker Tilly Canada.