CohnReznick LLP and Watkins Meegan LLC Announce Plans to Combine Firms in November

Combined Firm will have Approximate Annual Revenues of $600MM

September 24, 2014 – Bethesda, MD – CohnReznick LLP, one of the top accounting, tax, and advisory firms in the U.S., and Bethesda-based accounting, tax, and consulting firm, Watkins Meegan LLC, have signed a letter of intent to combine practices, expected to be effective on November 1, 2014. The combination brings added bench strength to both firms and will bolster CohnReznick’s position as a leading firm in the Washington-Metro area. 

Founded in 1975, Watkins Meegan has 13 partners and 200 employees with revenues of $40M and is ranked among the top 100 firms in the country. With offices in Bethesda, Tysons Corner, Herndon, and Annapolis, the firm has considerable strength in serving government contractors, the real estate and construction industries, as well as the not-for-profit and hospitality industries.  Mike Micholas, Watkins Meegan’s Managing Partner, will continue to be a part of the senior management team in the region.

CohnReznick has 26 offices, including three in MD and VA that house over 600 employees. Its Firm-wide resources include dedicated industry practices, specialized assurance, tax, and advisory services, and global reach through Nexia International. The Firm is also an award-winning workplace recognized for its women’s program, flexibility, dedicated learning and development department, and community service initiatives.  

“We are very excited about what this combination means for our ability to serve our clients and our employees in the future,” said Micholas. “CohnReznick’s formidable Commercial Real Estate, Construction, Not-for-Profit, and Hospitality Industry Practices will provide valuable resources to our clients in those industries.  All of our clients will benefit from a deeper bench of professionals with diverse technical expertise as well.  And our employees will find greater opportunities for learning and growth as part of a larger organization.”

The combined firm will have approximately $600MM in revenues, nearly 300 Partners, approximately 2750 employees, and 28 offices.

Ken Baggett, Co-CEO of CohnReznick stated, “We are continually looking at quality firms whose specialties complement our own. Watkins Meegan is a firm we have known for a number of years and have admired from a distance. We are very pleased about the synergies created by this combination.”

“Both firms sought a partner with the same core values, particularly a commitment to technical excellence and superior client service. When you have that, along with complementary experience and expertise, you know you will make a positive impact on your clients, your employees, and your community,” added Tom Marino, Co-CEO of CohnReznick.

About CohnReznick

With origins dating back to 1919, CohnReznick LLP is the 10th largest accounting, tax, and advisory firm in the United States, combining the resources and technical expertise of a national firm with the hands-on, entrepreneurial approach that today's dynamic business environment demands. CohnReznick serves a large number of diverse industries and offers specialized services for Fortune 1000 companies, owner-managed firms, international enterprises, government agencies, not-for-profit organizations, and other key market sectors.

Headquartered in New York, NY, CohnReznick serves its clients with more than 280 partners, 2,500 employees, and 26 offices. The Firm is a member of Nexia International, a global network of independent accountancy, tax, and business advisors. For more information, visit www.cohnreznick.com. 

About Watkins Meegan

Founded in 1975, Watkins Meegan has grown to become one of the largest accounting and consulting firms in the Washington Metropolitan area. With headquarters in Bethesda, Maryland, and additional offices in Annapolis, Maryland; Tysons Corner, Virginia; and Herndon, Virginia, the firm is conveniently located to service the entire region. The firm has a reputation for providing quality accounting, auditing, tax and management consulting services to organizations, which range in size from start-ups to Fortune 500 companies. Each of their more than 200 professionals shares a common dedication to quality of service. Their niche-specialty industry service groups include government contracting and technology, construction, hospitality, not-for-profit, health care, and real estate. For more about Watkins Meegan, go to www.watkinsmeegan.com.