Pennsylvania accounting firms Steger Gowie & Co. and Merves Amon & Barsz plan to merge July 1 to create a combined firm known as Barsz Gowie Amon & Fultz LLC.
The new firm will have 35 employees, including six partners, with four locations in Delaware and Chester Counties, including Media and Chadds Ford, Pa. Ira Rosenbloom of Optimum Strategies was the strategic advisor on the deal.
Financial terms were not disclosed. Bill Gowie of Steger Gowie & Co. will be managing partner of the combined firm. “The leadership from both firms has long respected the work of the other,” he said in a statement. “We are bringing together two well-respected firms, each complementing the work of the other, and providing the community with strong, competent leadership in tax, auditing, accounting and business planning services.”
Steger Gowie specializes in business planning, helping clients grow from startups. The firm also handles business sales and leadership transitions.
Merves Amon & Barsz focuses on audit, accounting, tax and management consulting services. The firm’s leadership has expertise in Pennsylvania and federal campaign finance laws and compliance. Clients include governments, municipal entities, businesses, nonprofits, individuals, and political campaigns and committees.
“This is an exciting, important event for our employees, our clients and our community,” said partner Peter Barsz in a statement. “We see this merger as one which will enhance opportunities for Delaware County and beyond as we more firmly plant our roots and establish ourselves as a leader in our industry, serving the businesses, families and organizations we’ve served for so long throughout the region.”
The head of the local chamber of commerce supports the combination. “Steger Gowie and Merves Amon & Barsz have been longtime members and friends of the Delaware County Chamber of Commerce,” said Chamber president Trish McFarland in a statement. “The merger of the two firms will be great for our business community and we look forward to their continued success and partnership as Barsz Gowie Amon & Fultz, LLC.”
