Gorfine, Schiller & Gardyn PA, an Owings Mills, MD-based certified public accounting firm, has announced a merger with the accounting division of Smart and Associates in Towson, MD, the firm formerly known as Grabush, Newman & Co. PA.

The Baltimore Sun reports that Gorfine, Schiller & Gardyn gained about 20 people in the transaction, expanding the firm to more than 75 employees. It will retain its name and location at the corporate campus in Owings Mills. No employees will be laid off, said W. James Schiller, a founding partner.

"We just hired about four new accountants, and we're still hiring," Schiller said. "The merger really creates more growth opportunities for our staff. And it's going to improve our client services."

Five years ago, Philadelphia-area management consulting firm, Smart and Associates acquired Grabush, Newman and changed its name.

The merger with Gorfine, Schiller & Gardyn will allow the former Grabush, Newman accountants to return to providing basic accountign, auditing, and tax services for Baltimore-area clients, according to Barry B. Bondroff, managing director.

Both Gorfine, Schiller & Gardyn PA and the Grabush, Newman group serve clients in the Baltimore metropolitan region as well as Washington DC, Delaware, Pennsylvania and New York.