Holbrook & Manter Announces Acquisition

MARION, Ohio (January 21, 2008) – The recent acquisition of one of Columbus’ homegrown CPA firms promises to enhance the array of accounting and financial services offered in Central Ohio. On January 1 The Kirch Group, LLC officially became a part of Holbrook & Manter, CPAs (H&M), with offices in Dublin, Marysville and Marion, significantly expanding its services in tax planning and consulting, accounting and assurance, business development, and financial and retirement planning.

Kirch Group owner Mike Kirch, who will serve as a director at Holbrook & Manter, remarked that H&M exemplifies the same dedication that his company embodies in providing clients with high quality tax, accounting and consulting services He stated, “The real strength of any organization is in the expertise of the people I don’t know of any organization that has more knowledge and experience than this group of highly trained CPAs and their staff.”

The Columbus team, who will remain in the 1111 Dublin Road office, will bring the total number of employees to 45, making H&M a Top 15 accounting firm in Central Ohio. Kirch’s clients, many of which are medical practices, physician groups and surgery centers, will significantly increase the existing 1,000+ H&M client base.

H&M President Brad Ridge noted that acquiring The Kirch Group was a strategic move “We are committed to the right type of growth for our firm, to continue our ability to provide great service to our current and new clients and to provide further opportunities for our team members,” Ridge said “The acquisition of The Kirch Group aligns perfectly with these goals.” He added that the acquisition supplements the company’s expertise and strengthens its presence in central Ohio

Stephen Smith, H&M’s director of metro operations, stated that adding The Kirch Group experts to their team will sufficiently contribute to the fulfillment of H&M’s guiding principle of Building Value. “Our firm’s mission is to help our clients increase their value, regardless if it is personal, business or otherwise,” he said.

Founded in Marion in 1919, Holbrook & Manter has had offices and has serviced clients in the Columbus Metro for many years, and The Kirch Group acquisition further enhances their commitment to the Central Ohio marketplace.

H&M is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants’ (AICPA) Division for CPA Firms, the Ohio Society of CPAs, and the Medical Group Management Association. Their team members provide support and serve in many volunteer capacities with charities and others in need in Central Ohio.