Sikich LLP, Top 40 accounting, advisory, investment banking, technology and managed services firm, announced Monday its merger with 403 Labs, a Brookfield, Wis.-based information security consultancy.
With this merger, Sikich will develop its information security practice with 403 Labs’ resources and talent, specializing in areas ranging from compliance audits and computer security assessments to penetration tests and computer forensic investigations. Sikich will also add 403 Labs’ San Francisco office, which becomes the firm’s second western location after the recent acquisition of a Denver office through a previous merger.
“Merging with 403 Labs is a strategic, key union for Sikich as it allows us to significantly expand our information security practice and grow our presence not only in the Milwaukee area, but around the world as well,” said Jeff Rudolph, partner-in-charge of Sikich’s technology practice, in a statement. “403 Labs has an unmatched team of experts who will complement and magnify the services Sikich already offers in the security area.”
Through this merger, Sikich will become one of only six firms certified as a payment card industry (PCI) Approved Scanning Vendor (ASV), Qualified Security Assessor (QSA), Payment Application Qualified Security Assessor (PA-QSA), QSA and PA-QSA for Point-to-Point Encryption (P2PE), and PCI Forensic Investigator (PFI).
Founder and principal of 403 Labs D.J. Vogel will join the team as partner, security and compliance practice leader. Vogel, who started 403 Labs in 2005, holds multiple security certifications and has long worked in the industry. Joining him will be Brad Lutgen, marketing and business development director of 403 Labs, as partner, along with 29 additional security experts.
“The joining of the 403 Labs and Sikich teams is beneficial for all parties, and we are very excited about the opportunities this merger presents for both us and our clients,” stated Vogel. “Sikich and its clients now have access to expanded technology service offerings in security and compliance, and our team can utilize additional resources and capital to enhance our growth. Further, our existing clients will be able to leverage Sikich’s expertise in additional technology and accounting areas that can improve their businesses.”
The team originally based in the 403 Labs Wisconsin headquarters will move into Sikich’s Milwaukee office.
