BALTIMORE & CLEVELAND--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Two powerhouse accounting practices in the investment industry—Cohen & Company and Arthur Bell—announced today that they have combined their firms to create the premier accounting firm for registered and non-registered funds and their investment advisers. The firm will be one of the top auditors of mutual funds, exchange traded funds, and hedge funds in the country, and a Top 50 CPA firm with nearly $100 million in annual revenue firmwide.
Arthur Bell has dedicated itself to the alternative investment community, focusing on audit, tax, and consulting services for hedge funds, commodity pools, funds of funds, private equity, and other investment vehicles for over forty years. In that time, the firm has listened and responded to clients, earning an outstanding reputation for delivering what clients need and want with great results.
Cohen & Company has a dedicated Investment Industry Services Division that is focused on providing audit, attest, and tax services exclusively for the investment industry and has a national client base including mutual funds, ETFs, hedge funds, private equity, investment advisers, and fund service providers. They have earned a reputation for excellent client service and outstanding technical competence, with a team of dedicated and engaged employees.
Combining Arthur Bell with Cohen & Company’s Investment Industry Services Division creates a full service accounting and consulting practice that doubles its resources with the best talent, technical expertise, and client service approach dedicated to the investment management community. The combined firms will go to market as Cohen & Company to leverage the strength of the Cohen & Company brand which currently works with over 1,000 funds and 1,500 businesses across the country. With the depth of audit and tax expertise for both registered and non-registered funds, and their investment advisers – the caliber of service and technical aptitude is unmatched. By merging firms, clients benefit from the industry knowledge, experience, and full suite of services that take a holistic approach to address the complex challenges these clients and their funds face throughout their business lifecycle. Chris Bellamy, the current President of Cohen & Company’s Investment Industry Services Division, and Corey McLaughlin, Managing Member of Arthur Bell, will co-manage the practice.
“It was clear from the beginning that both firms love what they do, and it shows through our mutual dedication to our clients. We are exceptionally proud of the talent and commitment of our combined teams, and the enthusiasm and collaboration that went into this process,” stated Randy Myeroff, CEO, Cohen & Company. “The increasing complexity of the investment industry and market factors have placed tremendous strain on those in the investment arena. Combining key service areas within the firms has uniquely positioned Cohen & Company to address the multitude of issues that can arise, so that each client can feel confident they are getting the best possible expertise and advice.”
The merger will expand Cohen & Company’s footprint throughout the United States with Arthur Bell’s offices and teams located in Maryland and New York City. In combination with our membership in The International Accounting Group (TIAG); a worldwide alliance of 120 member firms based in over 70 countries, the merger will further increase our service offerings to international and offshore funds through the Arthur Bell network of offices and relationships in the Cayman Islands and Ireland. Cohen & Company’s offices are headquartered in Cleveland, Ohio, with offices in Ohio, Michigan, New York City, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin. The firm will now have more than 550 employees and nine office locations.
“Our firms share a common vision and focus in the investment industry which is unparalleled. Our combined expertise in hedge funds, mutual funds, and ETFs will be a tremendous advantage to our clients that are evolving to innovate and attract new investors. Our focus will continue in the alternative investment industry, with elevated service offerings that more holistically support our clients’ expanding business goals,” stated Corey McLaughlin, Co-President, Investment Industry Services.
“We are thrilled to add the talent, reputation, and experience of Arthur Bell to our firm,” stated Chris Bellamy, Co-President, Investment Industry Services. “The scale and ability that our firm now has is unlike any in the industry – enhancing our client service and solidifying ourselves as the foremost audit, tax, and consulting firm in this space.”
About
Cohen & Company offers a full range of accounting, tax, and consulting services to clients throughout the U.S. The firm serves dynamic, privately held companies and their owners; and the investment industry, including registered and non-registered funds. Rooted in technical excellence, Cohen & Company is driven every day to listen, engage, and deliver sustainable value. The firm was founded in 1977; has more than 550 associates in Ohio, Maryland, Michigan, New York, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin; and is ranked as one of the top accounting firms in the country. Learn more at cohencpa.com.
Cohen & Company’s Investment Industry Services Division is focused on comprehensive audit, attest, tax, and consulting services exclusively for the investment industry. Our national client base includes mutual funds, hedge funds, private equity, exchange traded funds, commodity pools, investment advisers, fund service providers, high net worth individuals, trusts, and foundations. We have a customized, focused audit approach and deep tax expertise. But what makes us different is our culture built on energy, discipline, results, and—most importantly—personal commitment to our clients. Member PCAOB.
