The Practice Development Institute, Inc. (PDI), a premier provider of marketing and management solutions for public accounting firms in the United States, has merged with PENCOR Publication Services.

PDI and PENCOR - located across the street from each other in downtown Chicago - have competed with each other as the dominant players in the accounting marketing space since the 1980s. The combined companies will form the largest provider in the United States of marketing communication and visibility programs, tax and financial planning guides, and marketing and management consulting services to accountants, consultants, lawyers, banks, insurers and other financial services providers.

Along with the merger will come a name change to PDI Global, Inc., as well as a new logo to reflect the expanded focus and growth strategy of the company. PDI Global, Inc. is a 100% owned subsidiary of H&R Block.

"Merging with companies like PENCOR is part of our strategic plan to expand both our market share and our capacity to serve clients," says PDI President and CEO Allan D. Koltin, CPA. "Because our companies are so similar and compatible, we expect the merger to go smoothly, with no disruption of client services. We are thrilled to announce this acquisition and are excited about the benefits it will bring, not only to PDI and PENCOR clients, but also to the professional services industry."

PENCOR was founded in 1987 by Joel Shiffrin, and split into two divisions in 1998 when it was acquired by Quantum Alliance LLC. PENCOR's Association services will continue to be run by Quantum Alliance, LLC out of their offices in Omaha, Nebraska. PENCOR's Publication Services staff will relocate to PDI Global headquarters in Chicago.