Michigan-based Plante & Moran is merging with the Flint and Ann Arbor-based accounting and consulting firm BKR Dupuis & Ryden. The merger will be effective July 1, 2005, and the combined firms will operate as Plante & Moran, PLLC.

The addition of BKR Dupuis & Ryden's 60 staff, seven partners, and $7.5 million in annual revenue will give Plante & Moran a total of 1,450 staff, 204 partners, and annual revenues of $210 million. Plante & Moran Managing Partner Bill Hermann said the addition of BKR Dupuis & Ryden's Flint office closes the gap in the firm's geographic footprint in mid-Michigan while positioning itself to better reach clients in the Flint, Saginaw, and Midland corridor.

"Our goal is to be the accounting and consulting firm-of choice for businesses, municipalities, school districts, and not-for-profit organizations in Michigan and the entire Great Lakes region," Hermann said. "And we're positioned to serve these clients with a team of professionals right in their backyard."

BKR Dupuis & Ryden, established in Flint in 1932, is Flint's oldest and largest accounting firm. Plante & Moran will operate out of BKR Dupuis & Ryden's downtown Flint offices, where the firm recently signed a seven-year lease. Staff from the firm's Ann Arbor office will relocate to Plante & Moran's Ann Arbor office.

Dave Gibbons, Managing Partner of BKR Dupuis & Ryden said the firm's clients and staff now have access to a larger knowledge base, more advisors with in-depth industry specialization and additional services. "Our staff is excited about the opportunities to develop professionally with the highly regarded Plante & Moran team. And coming into a culture that has won them accolades as one of Fortune magazine's '100 Best Places to Work in America' for seven years running is exciting in and of itself."