Brookfield-based Kolb+Co., the largest locally owned public accounting and business advisory firm in Wisconsin, will be acquired by Sikich LLP of Naperville, Ill.
The two companies have signed a letter of intent to merge, effective Aug. 1.
This will be Sikich’s first Wisconsin-based office, and it will become the firm’s second-largest office throughout the country. The Kolb corporate name will be dissolved.
“Merging with Kolb+Co. is an exciting opportunity for Sikich, as it will bring the firm into a brand-new geographic market and a wonderful group of clients; add to our top-notch accounting and advisory teams; and help us continue our rapid growth through expanding our offerings,” said Jim Sikich, chief executive officer and managing partner of Sikich. “With more than 50 years of success, Kolb+Co. has received numerous workplace awards, including Top Workplaces in Milwaukee and Best Accounting Firms to Work For, culturally complementing Sikich. We look forward to many more years of success as one unified firm.”
Kolb+Co. will bring 15 partners and more than 60 professionals to Sikich with areas of expertise in auditing and accounting, consulting, mergers and acquisitions advisory, retirement plan administration and design, tax consulting and compliance, and information systems consulting and training for businesses; and financial advisory services and tax planning and compliance for individuals.
Tom Luken, CPA, president of Kolb+Co., will join Sikich as a partner, focusing on expanding the Sikich brand into the Wisconsin market.
“We are very excited to join the Sikich team,” Luken said. “Through this union, we will be able to offer our clients expanded industry capabilities and a full suite of advisory and technology services, as well as access to additional talented and experienced professionals. Sikich’s commitment to service excellence will be a perfect complement to what we have built during the past 53 years. We look forward to utilizing these resources to benefit our clients and to grow our presence in Wisconsin and Northern Illinois.”
Luken and his team are in the process of contacting clients to inform them of the upcoming change and address any questions they may have about the transition or Sikich
Kolb+Co. was founded in 1960 by Bob Kolb and Larry Lauwasser as Kolb Lauwasser & Co. in Milwaukee.
