Ferguson, Deloitte to merge

Singh said: 8216;8216;Deloitte recognises India as one of the fastest growing economies. India is strategic to Deloitte8217;s growth plans. Our strength and capability will be boosted by the addition of the well-respected professionals from Ferguson. The transaction includes the oldest accounting firms in India, who share similar values, respect for tradition and recognition of business needs8217;8217;.

Narayan Seshadri, who was formerly with KPMG, said both, Ferguson and Deloitte, have the best audit base in India. 8216;8216;Both the entities would be well in alignment with each other. They would be in a position to have continued business from the best Indian companies,8217;8217; he explained.

Ferguson will join the existing Deloitte Haskins 038; Sells firms, CC Chokshi 038; Company, Fraser 038; Ross, PC Hansotia 038; Company and SB Billimoria 038; Company.

Singh added that Asia-Pacific will lead Deloitte8217;s global growth over the next five years, with India being a key component.

Under the proposed new arrangements, A.K. Mahindra and N.P. Sarda become non-executive co-chairmen of DH038;S India and Dileep Choksi, Udayan Sen and Mukund Dharmadhikari become the joint managing partners of DH038;S.

Deloitte in Asia-Pacific is the fastest growing professional services organisation having 21,000 experienced industry and technical professionals located in 120 cities in 26 countries. Their market stretches from New Zealand to China and Guam.

Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu is an organisation of member firms around the world providing professional services and advice in nearly 150 countries. It has access to the intellectual capital of 1,20,000 people worldwide and delivers services in four professional areas; audit, tax, consulting, and financial advisory services.

It serves more than one-half of the world8217;s largest companies, large national enterprises, public institutions, locally important clients and fast-growing global growth companies.