Financial Executives International, a 15,000-member trade group headquartered here, has compiled what it considers to be the top financial challenges for 2008.

Epicor Software said it planned to acquire NSB Retail Systems for approximately $322 million.

Three venerable accounting firms in South Carolina have combined operations.

CPA firm Argy, Wiltse & Robinson has acquired Spear Safer CPAs & Advisors, allowing the Virginia-based firm to expand further in South Florida.

Accounting firm Grant Thornton signed a deal to purchase the assets of Goldenberg Rosenthal’s GR Consulting business.

The Financial Accounting Standards Board has issued two statements as it continues on the road to international convergence: on business combinations and on noncontrolling interests in consolidated financial statements.

Tax prep firm Gilman Ciocia has acquired Madison CPA, a Fort Lauderdale accounting firm.

Adding to its continuing professional education portfolio, Thomson Tax & Accounting has acquired AuditWatch, a high-profile audit-training and process improvement consulting firm headquartered in Reston, Va.

International accounting firm Mazars has created a new law firm out of the four independent European law firms that previously served it.

LeMaster Daniels has acquired Abramson Pendergast & Co., another CPA firm based in Washington State.

CPA firm Habif, Arogeti & Wynne has acquired another Atlanta-based accounting firm, Miller Ray Houser & Stewart, in a multimillion-dollar deal.

CPA firm Braver said it is merging with Edward Giardina P.C., as Giardina joins Braver as a partner at the firm.

Two firms in New York State have merged, with EFP Group's Eldredge, Fox & Porretti combining with Carnevale Niles Whitney & Davis.

Two CPA firms in Indiana are joining forces, with the Evansville office of Kemper CPA Group merging in Wright Consulting on Dec. 1.

Two accounting firms in Texas announced plans to merge, with San Antonio-based Padgett, Stratemann & Co. combining with Austin-based Sprouse & Andersen under the PS&Co. name.

Two firms in South Florida said they were merging, with Berenfeld, Spritzer, Shechter & Sheer LLP, expanding by combining with Lefcourt, Billig, Tiktin & Yesner.

Southern accounting firm Carr, Riggs & Ingram has acquired Bumpus Hall, allowing the firm to expand into the Nashville area.

California wealth management firms Kochis Fitz and Quintile Wealth Management said they plan to merge, effective Jan. 1, 2008, with the combined firm to be known initially as Kochis Fitz/Quintile until a new name can be found.

Two Southern accounting firms, Elliott Davis and Elliott & Warren, have decided to combine their operations and expand in the Charlotte, N.C., market.

Accounting firm LarsonAllen has merged with three other firms, expanding its presence in Minnesota and Southwest Florida.