In a historical episode that promises to radically redefine the face of the accounting and professional services sector, the two top-notched accounting firms in the United States, Baker Tilly and Moss Adams, have publicly announced their merger agreement worth $7 billion. This merger is meant to spur enhanced service offerings, broaden their market reach, and increase competitiveness on a global scale.
Baker Tilly-Moss Adams Merger-the History Made
Jointly announcing their intention to form one of the largest CPA firms in North America on April 20, 2025, were Baker Tilly, of Chicago, and Moss Adams, of Seattle. “The entity will operate under the Baker Tilly brand and will be led by a joint leadership team of executives from both firms.”
Projected to conclude sometime during the fourth quarter of 2025, the merger is pending regulatory and partner approvals. Upon completion, the new firm will boast a workforce of over 18,000 across U.S. and international offices, serving clients in a variety of industries including technology, healthcare, manufacturing, and financial services.
Strategic Vision: Why This Merger Now?
Both firms have been historically innovative and client-serving organizations; therefore, this merger is anchored in a common vision to become the most trusted business advisor in the professional services industry. The firms together aim to provide improved tax consulting, cybersecurity, digital transformation solutions, and audit and assurance services.
“Our combined resources will empower us to lead the way in an ever-evolving global economy,” said Alan Whitman, Baker Tilly’s CEO. “It’s not about just size; it’s about bringing together two cultures that prioritize integrity, relationships with clients, and creating long-term value.”
Client Impact and Expanded Capabilities
Client Impact and Enhanced Capabilities The merger promises the clients increased depth and expertise. Based on this nationwide and international distribution of Baker Tilly, together with the strong footprint of Moss Adams on the west coast, clients are likely to receive more localized services that are backed by a global insight.
For those clients operating in one of the exciting new industries such as AI, renewable energy, or fintech, enhanced advisory services will be available through a wider talent pool and strengthened research capabilities.
In addition, Baker Tilly’s international network through Baker Tilly International will allow the new firm to service multinational clients smoothly and very easily for cross-border operations, which is now made accessible to Moss Adams clients.
Employee Development and Opportunity
Jobseekers who have been allied with the new company will find new doors opening wide to career advancements, professional experience, and working across boundaries. Both companies have made their emphatic statements that the people-first cultures would stay intact, with freshened focus on diversity, equity, and inclusion at all levels.
“Together, we will give our people more than jobs – we’ll give them paths for growth and a vibrant future,” says Kristen Keene, Head of Talent Strategy at Baker Tilly. “This is a win for our people just as much as our clients.”
Market Reactions and Industry Implications
The announcement has made some noise in the accounting and consulting world as analysts claim that there is a new establishment now between Baker Tilly and any of the top five most influential firms outside of the Big Four. Industry insiders see it as a portent for further consolidation in the offing, especially as firms struggle with the increasing pressures of radical innovation and the need for rapid scales to answer the demands of their clients and the disruptive forces of technology.
Experts can also state that this merger would change the landscape in terms of how mid-market firms notch against such heavyweight firms as Deloitte, EY, PwC, and KPMG. The new company would likely prefer to lean on highly specialized services on middle-market enterprises, frequently unserved, by larger companies.
Conclusion
As a landmark deal in professional services, the Baker Tilly-Moss Adams merger acts as a catalyst that would result in deeper capabilities, wider geographic reach, and a common vision. Collectively, the new Baker Tilly is positioned to serve a broader array of clients while nurturing talent at the top of the industry.
While merging firms continue to highlight the then integration process, industry watchers are now glued to how bold reshaping will take this bold move to set a precedent for future mergers in the sector.
