Crowe Horwath Australasia Pty : Moore Stephens Queensland joins Findex backed Crowe Horwath

A larger Queensland footprint and greater scale for Findex-owned national accounting and financial advisory group.

The Queensland arm of accountancy group Moore Stephens has reached an agreement to become part of Crowe Horwath, Australia's fifth largest accountancy and financial advisory group, owned by M&A giant Findex.

Findex CEO Spiro Paule said: 'Moore Stephens Queensland has an outstanding reputation and history of client service. We have had most constructive and detailed discussions with Moore Stephens partners over recent months and all parties are excited by the opportunities created by Moore Stephens Queensland joining the Crowe Horwath business.

'All Moore Stephens clients will continue to be serviced by their existing adviser who will now have even greater resources at their disposal, courtesy of the Findex network, to help meet the evolving client needs.

'Crowe Horwath already has the largest geographic footprint nationally in the accounting sector and the addition of the seven Moore Stephens offices will be valuable to our network.'

Managing Director of Moore Stephens Queensland, Ken Pickard said, 'We were attracted to Findex because of their approach to holistic advisory, delivered by one trusted adviser through the Family Office model.

'There has been a lot of change in the accounting profession and we believe Findex's focus on combining relationships and technology will enable us to meet the changing needs of our clients.'

Since 2000, Findex has successfully acquired and integrated more than 45 businesses, including the purchase and privatisation of the Crowe Horwath Australia and New Zealand businesses in early 2015.

Findex's interest in acquiring boutique and mid-tier firms in rural and regional areas is part of an ambitious strategy to revolutionise the financial industry for mass affluent Australian market.

'There is no question that the accountancy and financial services industry is being disrupted. We see opportunity in disruption. Our adaptability and focus on technology and process means we are at the forefront of the evolution of our industry.

'The partners and staff at Moore Stephens share our commitment and vision to continually improve and refine the financial services offering for SME's and the people within them.' Mr Paule said.