Grant Thornton partners approve move to private equity-backed global platform
Following months of speculation and discussions, Grant Thornton’s partners in Australia have given the green light for the firm to join Grant Thornton Advisors, the network’s private equity-backed global platform.
The deal, which comes hot on the heels of a major transaction in the US market, will see Grant Thornton Advisors expand to more than 36,000 professionals across the Americas, Europe, the Middle East and the Asia-Pacific region.
Jim Peko, CEO of Grant Thornton Advisors and leader of its multinational platform, described the agreement as a key milestone for the group, giving it a presence in Australia – one of the world’s largest professional services markets.
“Grant Thornton’s Australian business is a standout firm – with strong momentum, exceptional leadership and a culture that has earned deep respect in its market,” said Peko. “Its agreement to join our platform reflects a shared ambition: to build something more connected, more capable and more forward-looking for our clients and our people.”
Launched in January 2025 with backing from private equity firm New Mountain Capital, Grant Thornton Advisors is an international platform that brings together Grant Thornton member firms from around the world. The platform aims to build a leading global professional services network and has previously welcomed member firms from Brazil, the Netherlands, France, Ireland, Poland and the UAE, among others.
“This latest deal accelerates our growth across the Asia-Pacific region while strengthening our ability to serve clients seamlessly across borders. This is exactly the type of partnership we seek as we continue to build a differentiated platform with scale and purpose,” Peko added.
What’s in it for Australia
For the Australian practice, joining forces with the global platform is expected to accelerate its growth strategy nationwide, expanding access to world-class AI and technology capabilities while creating compelling career pathways for the next generation of partners and professionals.
“This is a landmark moment for our business,” commented Said Jahani, CEO of Grant Thornton in Australia. “Our partners have given their strong endorsement to a transaction that will usher in an exciting new chapter for the firm.”
“By joining Grant Thornton Advisors, we gain accelerated access to world-class technology, AI capabilities and growth capital needed to build Australia’s most modern, globally connected professional services firm, while delivering remarkable outcomes for our clients and market-leading career pathways for our people,” Jahani added.
Completion of the transaction is expected in late August 2026, subject to customary regulatory approvals. According to reporting by the Australian Financial Review, the deal is valued at more than $800 million.
