Mergers loom as firms struggle to grow

As it is, 39 of the 50 firms reported growth rates that had either shrunk or gone negative. The figure for last year was just 23. It’s been a very difficult time. The same partner complained that the ‘pressure on fees has been enormous’.

But with so many large firms still to report how they’ve faired since the collapse of Lehman’s in September last year, the true picture may be far worse than our survey suggests.

That leaves the observer wondering what the future holds. KPMG has had a very tough time. The firm has grown, but only just and with less than a single percentage point ­ but that’s on a year end of September 2008.

Of those with 2009 year ends many look very sorry. PKF entered negative territory with -1%, Baker Tilly is flat on the same revenues as the previous year, while Mazars could only clock a single percentage point of growth. Those that prospered were those that invested heavily in business recovery before the great wave of insolvencies began.

What happens next? Once again there is much talk of consolidation, especially in the mid tier. This speculation comes around on a regular basis ­ but the downturn gives it greater credence. The poor results, the average age of partners and the state of balance sheets could prompt many to ask whether they wouldn’t be better joining another firm under fresh leadership and with a fresh model to work on.

Who would be surprised if next year’s survey was missing some big names because of a wave of mergers? Only time, and the recession, will tell.

comment@accountancyage.com