J.H. Cohn LLP, the largest independent accounting and consulting firm in the Northeast, has combined its services with Marden, Harrison & Kreuter, CPAs, P.C. of White Plains, New York, effective July 19. The former Marden, Harrison & Kreuter will operate as Marden, Harrison & Kreuter, A Division of J.H. Cohn.

Marden, Harrison & Kreuter is a full-service accounting and consulting firm, with more than 50 professionals and a diverse client base which include real estate developers and construction contractors. The firm offers a broad spectrum of accounting, tax and consulting services.

On the heels of J.H. Cohn's previously announced business combinations with Berenson LLP (May 8) and Haggett Longobardi (June 5), the announcement marks the Firm's third strategic expansion effort in the Northeast this calendar year, and supports its strategy to deepen its boutique expertise to best serve the middle market.

"The expertise and talent we've gained through Marden, Harrison & Kreuter instantly enhances our ability to provide the highest quality partner-level service to middle market construction and real estate companies," said Thomas J. Marino, chief executive officer of J.H. Cohn. "Strategic growth is key to meeting market demand, and we are committed to aligning ourselves with already-established, successful entities such as Marden, Harrison & Kreuter, as these relationships will benefit not only our future as a firm, but our clients' futures, as well."

Under terms of their firm's agreement with J.H. Cohn, two of Marden, Harrison & Kreuter's founding shareholders, Managing Director Arnold I. Marden and Stephen J. Harrison, will serve as co-managing partners of the Firm's White Plain's office, and the firm's Long Island office will relocate to J.H. Cohn's office in Jericho.

"For more than a decade, we've committed ourselves to providing expert counsel on the specific accounting and tax issues unique to our client base, and specifically for companies in the construction and real estate industries," said Marden. "We look forward to expanding these resources and drawing upon the vast knowledge J.H. Cohn brings to the middle market."

"New York is the largest, most competitive market in the country, and in order for firms like J.H. Cohn to continue to grow and thrive in it, alliances like the ones we've established recently with Berenson and Marden, Harrison & Kreuter are critical," said Robert DeMeola, managing partner of J.H. Cohn's New York office. "Not only do they support our commitment to the New York metropolitan area, they also reiterate our commitment to our clients, as evidenced by the expanded services we are now able to offer them."

Added Jack Callahan, practice director of J.H. Cohn's Construction Industry Practice, "The expansion of J.H. Cohn's resources through its combination with Marden, Harrison & Kreuter reinforces our ability to help our contractor clients realize their business goals while also providing them with personalized and attentive service, strong technical expertise and uncompromising integrity."