RSM buys NSW Riverina-based firm Granleese McEwen
Professional services firm RSM will capitalise on a growing agribusiness services market through the purchase of NSW regional provider Granleese McEwen, which is based in the Riverina ‘food bowl’.
Mid-tier accounting and consulting firm RSM has continued its regional Australia expansion with the acquisition of New South Wales family-owned and operated accountancy Granleese McEwen, which will see RSM establish a fresh presence in Temora, Junee and West Wyalong in the state’s Riverina region north of Wagga.
The move follows an earlier pick-up of Arc Accounting in Esperance in Western Australia.
“The addition of Temora, Junee and West Wyalong offices to our network is a testament to our dedication to providing exceptional service to our clients and expanding our presence in the region.” said Sydney-based RSM chief executive partner Jamie O’Rourke. “As Australia’s food bowl, we expect the region to continue to be one of the country’s most significant drivers of economic growth.”
The opportunity to purchase Granleese McEwen came about following founding partner and director Bob Granleese’s decision to retire, although he will serve in a consulting role alongside son James during the transition period. Business partner John McEwen will meanwhile continue on as a senior manager at RSM, noting the company’s familiarity with RSM was a factor in its choice of buyers.
“We were using RSM for company liquidations and so forth and they are a well-recognised firm and a national one that seemed like they’d be the best fit,” McEwen stated. “We’ve got a lot of agricultural clients, especially out of the Temora office; pretty much all of the clients have been happy to come across under the RSM banner. We can now give them a lot more services that they can make use of.”
The acquisition sees RSM re-establish a permanent presence in Temora after a four-decade absence, although the firm has operated from an office in Wagga Wagga since 1992 and has further outlets in Albury and Goulburn alongside other NSW regional hubs in Gosford and Port Macquarie. RSM cited economic consultancy Remplan in noting the Riverina as NSW’s most valuable agricultural region.
The acquisition of Granleese McEwen follows that of Arc Accounting and Financial Services in Western Australia in April, adding the small outlet to RSM’s existing presence in Esperance dating back more than 65 years and comprehensive regional coverage across the state. Similarly, Arc’s Duncan McKenzie joined RSM as a senior manager out of Esperance as part of that earlier deal.
