Wipfli moves into New England

In a move that gives it a strong base in New England, Top 20 Firm Wipfli LLP has added in South Portland, Maine-based Regional Leader Macpage, effective August 1.

The merger adds almost 100 professionals and two offices, in South Portland and Augusta, to Milwaukee-based Wipfli, which will do business in New England as Wipfli/Macpage going forward.

“This combination marks a very big step in Wipfli’s national expansion plans with their entry into New England. Wipfli’s investment in technology and the depth of their consulting and advisory services are proving to be a major attraction to entrepreneurial firms throughout the country. I wouldn’t be surprised to see Wipfli continue to grow in this region of the country in the next few years,” said Allan Koltin, CEO of Koltin Consulting Group, the advisor to both firms related to this combination. “Macpage is regarded as one of the most prestigious firms in New England, so this merger will very likely serve as a springboard for future expansion in the region. Wipfli was attracted to Macpage’s strong leadership, outstanding young talent and similar approach to client service.”

Founded in 1956, Macpage offers integrated accounting, consulting, IT assurance, internal audit, and tax services to businesses in a variety of industries throughout New England. It reported $13.3 million in revenue for 2017, with 18 partners and close to 100 employees. Wipfli ranked No. 20 among Accounting Today’s 2018 Top 100 Firms, with $282.3 million in 2017 revenues, over 200 partners and more than 2,000 staff.

“Macpage is an excellent fit and will allow Wipfli to expand our physical presence into New England, while also increasing our depth and breadth of experienced resources on the East Coast,” said Wipfli managing partner Rick Dreher in a statement. “Macpage has a long history and a stellar reputation as a leading firm in New England. Given our combined knowledge and strength in the financial institutions and nonprofit industries, our shared commitment to being trusted business advisors, and our many consultants who will make a lasting positive impact on our clients, we will be well positioned to continue to be one of the leading firms on the East Coast for many years to come.”

“In Wipfli we found a firm with values, a culture and an approach to client service that closely align with Macpage,” said managing principal Graham Smith, in a statement. “By joining Wipfli we can now provide our clients with the wide range of audit, tax and consulting services and industry specialists of a national firm, while continuing to provide them with the same high level of personal service they have experienced from Macpage’s principals and staff over our firm’s history.”

Wipfli has been merging aggressively over the past few years mostly expanding in California in June (see "Wipfli merges in Price Waterman") and in Colorado in February (see "Wipfli mergers in Bauerle").