Deals & Developments

Twenty-two midsize firms joined a new alliance called Baker Tilly USA (a new branch of network Baker Tilly International) in an effort to compete with larger firms for U.S. audit business.

Meanwhile, China announced plans to develop its own international accounting firms. The policy statement by the Chinese Institute of Certified Public Accountants (CICPA), which was first reported by the Financial Times in October, says that in the next five to 10 years China should develop 10 accountancy firms capable of operating internationally. The firms would audit foreign operations of Chinese companies that are currently being audited by Big Four firms.