Arnett Foster Toothman and Carbis Walker Agree to Merge

Arnett Foster Toothman PLLC and Carbis Walker LLP have agreed to merge and will take on the new name of Arnett Carbis Toothman LLP come Jan. 1, 2015.

Arnett Carbis Toothman’s Pennsylvania offices will include locations in New Castle, Pittsburgh and Meadville, complementing its West Virginia offices in Charleston, Bridgeport, Buckhannon, Morgantown and Lewisburg, as well as Columbus, Ohio.

Allan Koltin, CEO of Koltin Consulting Group, who advised both firms on the merger, said, "This merger represents a new breed of firm in that it involves two Top 200 firms coming together to create a Top 100 firm. They have all the right ingredients to double in size in the next five to seven years and be an even more significant force in their region. They are blessed with great leadership, compatible cultures and an appetite for growth. This will not only provide great benefits for their clients and will provide their people with unlimited growth opportunities.”

The two firms share similar historical timelines. Arnett Foster Toothman was established in 1950 and grew to employ 160 people. Carbis Walker was formed in 1946 and employs 105. 

“This is a welcome merger of two highly diverse and well-managed firms who share similar corporate cultures and philosophies,” Steve Robey, CEO of the new firm, said in a statement. “It is a bold and an exciting move not only for our firms but for our region. Our combined expertise makes Arnett Carbis Toothman ideally positioned to provide clients even higher levels of service and counsel, and in broader areas.”

“The new firm immediately enhances our existing niche sectors and strengthens new business opportunities,” emphasized former Carbis managing partner James Hunt, who will now be chairman of the firm’s executive committee. “Our combined expertise and experience in sectors such as health care, construction, financial institutions, oil and gas/natural resources, and manufacturing, among others, will certainly be an asset to clients requiring world-class service over a regional footprint.”

Hunt noted the combined firms will have expanded capabilities and specializations and will be “uniquely positioned to provide greater technical support to clients.”

Robey and Hunt commented that the management teams of both firms will remain intact and will continue their management and leadership roles with the new firm. Hunt added that cutbacks or layoffs are not anticipated, saying, “If anything, our new company will create expanded opportunities for existing – and new – staff.” Robey said the subsidiary and affiliated companies of both firms will continue for now with “business as usual.”

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