Grant Thornton merges with ESJ in the Netherlands

27 January 2012

Grant Thornton Netherlands is to merge with ESJ, a leading Dutch accounting and tax consulting firm with over 30 years of experience.

The merger brings together 70 partners and around 700 staff across 14 offices and is the first step in the firm’s plans to build substantial market share in the Netherlands. ESJ is based in the economically important south west region of the country and the move brings Grant Thornton Netherlands into the Top 10 accounting firms in the Netherlands.

Gerard Mulder, CEO of Grant Thornton Netherlands, said, “This merger expands the reach of Grant Thornton Netherlands to an economically very strong region. It also helps us to tie in with the considerable growth ambitions of the global organisation and strengthens our position in the “war for talent” – a major constraint in the Netherlands market.”

Wilbert Koreman, managing partner of ESJ added, “Joining Grant Thornton provides our clients with an internationally powerful network. In this way we can serve our clients even better than before. At the same time the merger provides Grant Thornton’s clients with access to our experience in high quality fiscal consulting.”

Ed Nusbaum, chief executive officer, Grant Thornton International, commented, “This is exciting news for the Netherlands firm and significantly builds our presence in the country.”

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