BDO adds 65 Grant Thornton professionals in Austria

BDO has poached nearly half of Grant Thornton’s staff in Austria. Through the manoeuvre, the professional services firm increases its number of partners by a third in the country and brings it a step closer to the level of the Big Four.

BDO Austria, part of the BDO International network, has significantly expanded its operations in the country as it snapped up 65 professionals, including 10 partners, from Grant Thornton. The coup on Grant Thornton’s ranks sees BDO’s headcount increase to more than 500 of which 40 are partners. The new staff, which have joined the firm's 5 offices across Austria, will add further accounting and consulting expertise to the firm’s clients in the areas of construction, not for profit, real estates, trade and commerce, and technology industries.

“I want to welcome the former Grant Thornton partners and staff to BDO Austria,” says Hans Peter Hoffmann, Managing Partner of BDO Austria. “This is a major step that enhances our service offerings in the Austrian market. This expansion means that our firm is gaining not only leading industry experts with a strong reputation across the region for excellence, but also a number of prominent clients nationwide. With a new headcount of 500 staff and 40 partners, BDO is well placed to provide exceptional client service to family-owned businesses and leading middle market companies throughout Austria.”

“Our clients will continue to receive the local, hands-on service they value, but will now have access to the wider array of services and resources that BDO's extensive global network provides,” adds Andreas Bernhart, a former Grant Thornton Partner. “BDO’s workplace culture also fits well with our emphasis on work/life balance and our people will now have access to many more opportunities to pursue career growth.”

Anders Heede, CEO Europe, Middle East and Africa at BDO, adds his congratulations to BDO Austria: “This step further cements our Austrian firm’s standing in the marketplace and will build on their already impressive performance in recent years. This is further testament to BDO’s successful commitment to consolidation in the audit marketplace.”