Rea & Associates Looks to Strengthen Presence In Cleveland Market
– Don McIntosh, CPA
Sept. 25, 2017 | New Philadelphia, Ohio – Rea & Associates Inc., a regional accounting and business consulting firm, has announced its intention to merge in the Cleveland-based firm, Walthall CPAs, on Nov. 1, 2017. The single, stronger practice that will form as a result of the merger will feature a team of more than 300 professionals who are ready to serve clients from 12 offices across the state of Ohio.
“We are excited for the opportunity to bring our two firms together,” said Don McIntosh, CPA, CEO of Rea & Associates. “When you look at how long Walthall has been around, where the firm is situated in the state and their strong community-minded and client service-focused culture, bringing our two firms together just makes sense.”
Formed in 1944 by two former professors of accounting at Cleveland College, Orville Walthall and John Drake set off to build an accounting practice dedicated to providing quality services at affordable prices. Today, Walthall CPAs has realized a steady history of growth and an unblemished reputation as a solid firm that provides outstanding service, a quality that both leadership teams are committed to maintaining.
“Over the years, Walthall has spoken to many firms about the possibility of merging, but we decided to move forward with Rea because their culture aligned so well with ours,” explained Richard Lash, CPA, managing partner of Walthall CPAs. “Together, we look forward to uniting our traditions of experience, service and stewardship. Moreover, I’m confident that our decision to unite will position us to provide all of our clients with an even greater experience.”
As a multi-office firm, Rea & Associates is divided into regions. After the merger is finalized, Lash will become the regional president of the firm’s Northeast Ohio Region, which will include offices in Amherst, Cleveland, Medina and Mentor. Walthall’s Wooster office will join Rea’s East Central Ohio region, under the leadership of Kyle Stemple, CPA, CGMA.
Walthall’s Amherst and Cleveland employees will continue to conduct business from their existing office space (197 North Leavitt Road, Amherst and 6300 Rockside Road, Cleveland, respectively), but under a new name – “Walthall Rea.” The firm’s Mentor office will also be called “Walthall Rea” after Nov. 1. The employees in Walthall’s existing Mentor office will move to the Rea office at 7201 Center Street, Mentor. Employees in Walthall’s Wooster offices will be relocated to Rea & Associates office space at 545 North Market Street in Wooster, and will serve clients as Rea & Associates on Nov. 1.
– Richard Lash, CPA
“If you’ve worked with the Walthall team in the past, you’ll be glad to learn that this merger will have no impact on your fees or on the quality of service,” said Lash. “Our client service teams will stay intact and you will continue to receive the stellar service we’ve always taken great pride in providing. Only now, we will be able to offer a wider array and greater depth of services.”
Rea & Associates has established a strong reputation within the accounting industry and among those industries served by the firm’s various specialty teams. Specifically, the firm is well established in the manufacturing, construction, dental, not-for-profit, health care and government industries and has the ability to provide services ranging from traditional accounting, tax and assurance services to Affordable Care Act consulting, investment advisory services and IT risk assessments.
If you have more questions about this merger and the impact on our business, check out our merger FAQ page.