Merger Announcement
January 4, 2020: Twin Cities accounting firms Boyum Barenscheer and Wilkerson Guthmann are pleased to announce the merger of their firms effective on January 1, 2021 which will be operating under the brand name Boyum Barenscheer. Tom Margarit, Managing Partner of the combined firm shared “Both of our firms have enjoyed multigenerational success and desire to see our legacy continue into the next generation as we continue to focus on serving the needs of our clients. We recognize that both firms have achieved success through a variety of strengths. Using a best practices approach, our clients will benefit as we leverage these strengths through collaboration and increased resources.”
Bob Georges, Managing Partner of Wilkerson Guthmann added “While the people of Wilkerson Guthmann are proud of our nearly 100-year history, we know the future is far more important than the past. We are excited about the opportunities we will provide for both our clients and our people as we combine with a great firm like Boyum Barenscheer. The new combined firm will be best positioned to address the changes coming to the field of public accounting and to help our clients address the ever-changing world of business.”
The firms have a joint 142 years serving clients in the areas of tax, audit, accounting, business advisory and wealth management. Wilkerson Guthmann’s roots date back to 1923 when Lyle Hines opened an accounting office in St. Paul. By 1927 the firm had provided the only audit of the State of Minnesota that was ever performed by an independent accountant. Boyum Barenscheer’s legacy began in 1975 when two entrepreneurs, Norlin Boyum and Brian Barenscheer, joined together with a staff of five to become Boyum & Barenscheer. Their reputation stood the test of time and in 2002 the firm was named one of the Top 20 Accounting Firms in the Twin Cities.
Tom Margarit will remain Managing Partner of the combined firm and Bob Georges will remain as a Principal and a member of the Leadership Team. As these leaders look to the future they see the synergy and recognize that their combined effect is greater than the sum of the separate effects. “In the end, the firm’s vision is to build a stronger, more resilient organization that provides greater opportunities for us to serve the clients we love”, Tom added. “The merger will allow us to accomplish this vision through a more streamlined operations structure, leveraging of technology platforms, greater opportunities for recruiting talent, an intense focus on industry expertise, expansion of our brand presence and nurturing of additional strategic alliances.”
Boyum Barenscheer will now be operating in five locations – Minneapolis, Arden Hills, Scandia, Wayzata and White Bear Lake. Please visit the contact us page at www.myboyum.com for specific location addresses and information.
FAQs for Clients:
Where will I find my client portal? By January 5th, there will be a new CLIENT ACCESS option at the top right of the home page of myboyum.com. This option will provide access to your client portal, if you have one (both Boyum Barenscheer and Wilkerson Guthmann) and also bill payment options.
Will the merger impact who I’m currently working with? Definitely not! You’ll be working with the same staff in the same location.
If you have any questions please contact your Boyum Barenscheer or Wilkerson Guthmann contact. View our staff directory for individual contact details.