On Tuesday, The Thomson Corporation announced it has acquired Tax Partners®, LLC, the nation’s largest sales and use tax compliance service firm. Tax Partners will join the RIA Compliance business of Thomson Tax & Accounting, which provides industry leading software and information solutions and services to tax professionals in accounting firms and corporations. Terms of the acquisition were not disclosed.

The Morristown-based certified public accounting firm of Gershon, Pierce, Lissak & Company, P.C. (GPL) recently merged with the regional firm of WithumSmith+Brown (WS+B), Certified Public Accountants and Consultants. Joining WS+B as shareholders and principals are Barry W. Pierce, CPA; Marietta Bennett, CPA; Robert J. Crigler, CPA; John J. Krystofik, CPA; Timothy A. Brezinsky, CPA; Donald Scheier, EA, and Gary Kollet, CPA, along with 26 staff members.

Verizon Communications Inc. and MCI, Inc. this week announced that Verizon has agreed to acquire MCI for $4.8 billion in equity and $488 million in cash. The transaction adds new strength to the telecommunications services both companies provide.

Becker & Company, LLC, a leading New York-based tax consulting firm, has combined its practice with J.H. Cohn LLP, one of the country's largest accounting and consulting firms. Founded in 1977, Becker & Company has provided tax services to family-owned businesses and their owners, publicly held companies and their senior executives, and high-net-worth entrepreneurs in New York City, Long Island and South Florida. Stuart Becker, managing partner of Becker & Company, joins J.H. Cohn as a partner and will be responsible for the Becker & Company division of J.H. Cohn.

Holtz Rubenstein Reminick LLP, Certified Public Accountants and Business Advisers, has merged with Rand Consulting Group Inc., Certified Forensic Examiners, Accountants and Valuation Analysts. The merger significantly expands Holtz Rubenstein Reminick's existing Litigation & Valuation Services Group and positions the firm as one of the largest mid-size forensic accounting, valuation and litigation support firms in the New York metropolitan area. In addition to announcing the merger, Holtz Rubenstein Reminick welcomes into its partnership group Martin P.

Those who worry that Wal-Mart is taking over the world take note-soon the mega mart might be venturing into banking, dentistry and health care among other industries, CNN/Money reported.Already at the top of the retail heap, Wal-Mart is considering expansion into other markets over the next five to 10 years.

Oracle this week announced, at an event at its headquarters with more than 17,000 joining by Webcast and phone, how the nearly 50,000-strong combined workforce of Oracle and PeopleSoft will provide unparalleled innovation and support to 23,000 applications customers throughout the world. At an event at its headquarters, Oracle CEO Larry Ellison and his top executives showcased the new application organization; product and global support plans; and discussed Oracle's market share strength, particularly in specific industries.

Crain & Company, PLC, a leading local accounting firm, joined Horne LLP, CPAs and Business Advisors, a large Southeast regional accounting firm effective January 1, 2005. The merger follows a management agreement that began in July 2004. As one of the largest accounting firms in the West Tennessee area, Crain & Company, PLC, is increasing its range of services with the merger. Horne has eleven offices throughout the Southeast including offices in Tennessee, Mississippi, Louisiana and Alabama. "Our goal is to increase services for our clients," said Katherine G.

RSM McGladrey last month increased its presence in the northern Illinois marketplace with the acquisition of the non-attest assets of BDO Seidman LLP in Rockford. In a separate transaction, McGladrey & Pullen LLP acquired the Rockford audit and attest assets.