Brookfield-based information security consulting firm 403 Labs will merge with Naperville, Ill.-based Sikich LLP.
Sikich, an accounting, advisory, investment banking, technology and managed services firm, also last year acquired Brookfield-based Kolb+Co. Sikich has 11 offices nationwide.
“Merging with 403 Labs is a strategic, key union for Sikich as it allows us to significantly expand our information security practice and grow our presence not only in the Milwaukee area, but around the world as well,” said Jeff Rudolph, partner-in-charge of Sikich’s technology practice. “403 Labs has an unmatched team of experts who will complement and magnify the services Sikich already offers in the security area.”
403 Labs, which has 30 employees, will serve as the security and compliance division of Sikich. Its Brookfield employees will join about 80 existing employees at the Sikich office at 13400 Bishops Lane, Suite 300 in Brookfield, and its San Francisco office will become part of Sikich.
Vogel and Brad Lutgen, marketing and business development director, will become partners at Sikich.
Following the merger, Sikich will be one of only six companies certified as a payment card industry Approved Scanning Vendor, Qualified Security Assessor, Payment Application Qualified Security Assessor, QSA and PA-QSA for Point-to-Point Encryption and PCI Forensic Investigator.
“The joining of the 403 Labs and Sikich teams is beneficial for all parties, and we are very excited about the opportunities this merger presents for both us and our clients,” Vogel said. “Sikich and its clients now have access to expanded technology service offerings in security and compliance, and our team can utilize additional resources and capital to enhance our growth. Further, our existing clients will be able to leverage Sikich’s expertise in additional technology and accounting areas that can improve their businesses.”
