BKD CPAs & Advisors and Dixon Hughes Goodman unveiled the name Wednesday for their combined firm, Forvis, which stands for "forward vision."
The two Top 20 Firms announced plans in February to a merger of equals into what they estimate will be a $1.4 billion firm, but said at the time the name of the combined firm wouldn’t be announced until a future date (
In creating a new name, Forvis’ future leaders and team members sought a name that would reflect eight shared brand attributes: purposeful, people-first, industry intelligence, high-quality, ultra-responsive, innovative, forward-thinking and driven. The attributes aim to strengthen the brand identity and represent how Forvis will care for its people and clients, combining the terms for “forward” and “vision.”
“Business today is moving faster, with greater complexity than ever before. To lead in this environment, businesses need to anticipate and prepare for what comes next,” said Tom Watson, future Forvis CEO and current CEO of BKD, in a statement. “The past two years have certainly shown us that the world can change instantly, and you can never be too prepared for tomorrow.”
The two firms have already created a website, FutureFocusedFirm.com or FORVIS.com, that will debut after June 1.
“Building on BKD’s and DHG’s strong foundations and legacies, we took a very purposeful and collaborative approach with our naming process, engaging a branding agency to guide us through team member interviews, focus groups and many other activities to develop our brand identity,” said Matt Snow, future Forvis chair and current CEO of DHG, in a statement. “We considered more than 200 naming options, including combinations of BKD and DHG, but when we heard Forvis, we knew it represented who we will be. Together on June 1, we will be infinitely stronger and uniquely focused on what is next.”
BKD currently ranks No. 16 on Accounting Today’s 2022 list of the Top 100 Firms, with $758.12 million in annual revenue, while DHG ranks at No. 17, with $504 million in annual revenue.
