KPMG seeking further EU mergers
KPMG may be looking to merge with other European firms after announcement of German proposal, firm says
KPMG UK has held discussions with other KPMG firms in Europe with a view to
additional mergers, it emerged today.
The merger has the backing of the firm’s boards, but is still subject to
partner approval.
‘This is the first stage. After the discussions around the German and UK
firms, further talks have been held with other KPMG member firms in Europe. It
will be up to them to join,’ Houlgate said, adding that the discussion had been
going on for a couple of months.
UK chairman, John Griffith-Jones, said the merger would enable the firm’s
audit, tax and advisory businesses to deliver a more consistent international
service.
‘We do a pretty good job in the circumstances but it takes a lot of frigging
around behind the scenes to [achieve] what appears reasonably seamless on the
surface,’ Griffith-Jones was quoted saying.
With a projected turnover for the UK and German firms in excess of £2 billion
in the current year, KPMG Europe LLP will be – from the outset – the largest
fully integrated accountancy firm in Europe.
