Grant Thornton - Press releases

Crenshaw Named to Lead Grant Thornton’s National Aerospace and Defense Industry

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 00:00:00 CST

ALEXANDRIA, February 7, 2012  Grant Thornton LLP named retired Vice Adm. Lewis (Lou) W. Crenshaw Jr. as National Aerospace and Defense practice leader.

Grant Thornton LLP Elects Two New Members to Partnership Board

Wed, 01 Feb 2012 00:00:00 CST

CHICAGO, February 1, 2012 — Grant Thornton LLP partners and principals elected Charlotte-based Dave Wedding, Economic Advisory Services partner and Southeast region Advisory Services leader, and Jon Wolkenstein, Dallas Audit partner, to the Partnership Board at its November Annual Partners Meeting.

AM&AA and Grant Thornton LLP Name Two Honorees for M&A Middle Market “Thought Leader Award”

Mon, 30 Jan 2012 00:00:00 CST

CHICAGO, January 30, 2012 - The Alliance of Merger & Acquisition Advisors (R) (AM&AA), the leading association and credentialing body for middle market M&A professionals in partnership with Grant Thornton LLP, one of the six global audit, tax and advisory organizations have announced Rob Slee and Dr. John Paglia as winners of the third annual middle market “Thought Leader of the Year Award.” Winners were announced during the AM&AA Winter Conference in Las Vegas.

Grant Thornton applauds President Obama’s support of start-ups and small business

Wed, 25 Jan 2012 00:00:00 CST

Grant Thornton LLP applauds President Obama for recognizing the importance of access to capital to start-ups and small business during his State of the Union Address last night. The Small Company Capital Formation Act, introduced by Rep. David Schweikert (R-AZ), was overwhelmingly passed by the House on November 2, 2011, by a vote of 421 to 1. Grant Thornton now encourages the Senate to act on the companion bipartisan legislation introduced by Sen. Jon Tester (D-MT) and Sen. Pat Toomey (R-PA). Combined, this legislation will help to resurrect our IPO markets, which once made the U.S. stock markets the envy of markets throughout the world.

Business leaders optimistic about business growth, jobs, U.S. economy

Tue, 17 Jan 2012 00:00:00 CST

Business leaders in the United States have a growing confidence in the economy, according to the most recent quarterly Business Optimism Index from Grant Thornton LLP. One-third (33%) believe the domestic economy will improve in the next six months, compared with just 18% in the third quarter of 2011. The Index itself rose 11.8 points to 57.9, reflecting increased optimism around key economic measures: the U.S. economy, business growth and hiring expectations.

Grant Thornton Surveys Find Increased Optimism in U.S. Economy

Tue, 17 Jan 2012 00:00:00 CST

Two independent surveys commissioned by Grant Thornton revealed that executives have growing confidence in the economic outlook for U.S. businesses despite the protracted crisis in Europe and emerging concerns from China.

Grant Thornton LLP Partner Dexter Manning to deliver keynote at Food Manufacturing & Safety Forum 2012

Tue, 17 Jan 2012 00:00:00 CST

Grant Thornton LLP announced that Dexter Manning, Partner, Audit Services and National Food and Beverage Practice Leader will address profitability and growth opportunities and challenges in the competitive, low-margin food manufacturing industry at the Food Manufacturing & Safety Forum 2012 on Jan. 25 in Dallas.

Five Finalists named for Annual M&A Middle Market Thought Leader Award

Mon, 19 Dec 2011 00:00:00 CST

The Alliance of Merger & Acquisition Advisors (R) (AM&AA), the leading association and credentialing body for middle market M&A professionals in partnership with Grant Thornton LLP, one of the six global audit, tax and advisory organizations today announced five finalists for the third annual Middle Market Thought Leader Award, honoring individuals who have made a meaningful contribution to middle market M&A.
The five finalists include:

Grant Thornton to sponsor OneMedForum 2012 SF Conference in San Francisco

Thu, 15 Dec 2011 00:00:00 CST

CHICAGO, December 15, 2011 - - Grant Thornton LLP, the U.S. member firm of Grant Thornton International Ltd, today announced it will be a presenting sponsor of the fifth annual OneMedForum SF, a business development and investment conference scheduled for January 9-12, 2012 in San Francisco. The conference focuses on emerging companies in the health care, medical and life sciences fields, connecting companies with strategic partners and investors.

Grant Thornton LLP acquires assets of CCR LLP

Thu, 01 Dec 2011 00:00:00 CST

BOSTON, December 1, 2011 — Grant Thornton LLP, the U.S. member firm of Grant Thornton International Ltd, today announced that it has acquired certain assets and practices of CCR LLP, a full-service accounting and advisory firm with offices in Massachusetts, Connecticut and Rhode Island.

Grant Thornton launches Chief Executive Officer Growth Forum

Mon, 21 Nov 2011 00:00:00 CST

Grant Thornton LLP today announced a series of forums for chief executive officers of dynamic, privately held companies, designed to help them examine the concept of growth in-depth with their peers and noted business experts. Together, attendees will explore tested approaches to growth in a stimulating and thought-provoking environment.

Social media study finds tremendous growth, but little development of risk or compliance policies

Wed, 16 Nov 2011 00:00:00 CST

CHICAGO, Nov. 16, 2011 – A recent survey conducted by Grant Thornton LLP and Financial Executives Research Foundation, Inc. (FERF) – Social media and its associated risks – finds that executives of public and private companies see social media as a growing set of marketing tools, but have not yet developed the necessary compliance and risk policies and procedures.

Grant Thornton LLP announces growth platform

Tue, 15 Nov 2011 00:00:00 CST

Grant Thornton LLP announced a new market orientation around growth, the dominant issue facing businesses today.

Grant Thornton LLP offers 12 year-end tax planning tips for businesses and individuals

Tue, 08 Nov 2011 00:00:00 CST

Grant Thornton wants to remind American taxpayers and businesses that now is the time to employ late-year tax planning strategies.

Optimism plummets in national CFO survey; hiring outlook dims

Mon, 07 Nov 2011 00:00:00 CST

A national survey of CFOs, conducted by Grant Thornton LLP, finds that optimism is plummeting, as evidence by the increased number of CFOs that report that their companies are scaling back hiring amid worry about the cost of health care and other benefits.

Grant Thornton LLP acquires Computer Technology Associates Health Solutions division

Mon, 07 Nov 2011 00:00:00 CST

Grant Thornton LLP today announced its acquisition of Computer Technology Associates’ (CTA) Health Solutions division, including five military health care contracts and the health care professionals supporting them.

Grant Thornton LLP launches Japan Business Group

Mon, 07 Nov 2011 00:00:00 CST

Grant Thornton has launched a Japan Business Group that will focus on serving Japanese inbound companies in the United States.

Grant Thornton LLP global study examines private equity trends in North American market

Thu, 03 Nov 2011 00:00:00 CDT

Grant Thornton LLP today announced the release of the annual private equity (PE) report sponsored by Grant Thornton International titled A force for growth. The study, based on interviews with 144 buyout firm executives worldwide, reveals that today’s uncertain global economic climate is the biggest challenge confronting the global PE industry. U.S. survey respondents, meanwhile, cited tough fundraising conditions, increased competition for deals, a looming industry shakeout and stricter regulatory requirements as major developments occurring in the North American (U.S. and Canada) deal market.

Global businesses support increased investment in renewable energy

Wed, 26 Oct 2011 00:00:00 CDT

Following the unrest in the Middle East and North Africa, and its impact on oil prices, 44% of global businesses would now support increased government investment in renewable/alternative energy according to the latest research from Grant Thornton’s International Business Report. In the U.S., 41% are more likely to support increased government investment.

Grant Thornton global business survey finds that pending lease accounting changes are off the radar screen of many businesses worldwide

Mon, 24 Oct 2011 00:00:00 CDT

According to research from Grant Thornton’s International Business Report, 54% of global businesses are not aware of, and are therefore unprepared for, one the most significant global accounting changes in the past decade: the virtual elimination of off-balance sheet leases.

Grant Thornton LLP and IASeminars collaborate to offer IFRS training throughout U.S.

Mon, 24 Oct 2011 00:00:00 CDT

Grant Thornton LLP is collaborating with the UK-based IASeminars group, an independent global specialist provider of training on International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS), to offer a broad range of IFRS training courses across the United States.

Grant Thornton LLP examines corporate tax burdens in 19 countries to provide manufacturers with objective data on effective taxation

Thu, 20 Oct 2011 00:00:00 CDT

In order to highlight the critical tax issues facing manufacturing companies, Grant Thornton LLP’s Manufacturing Practice released International taxation for manufacturing: A comparative review, a white paper that examines the corporate taxation of a hypothetical manufacturer as if it were located and doing business entirely in 19 countries.

Grant Thornton LLP Managing Partner Loretta Cross and Principal James Peko awarded Distressed Business Valuation accreditation

Wed, 19 Oct 2011 00:00:00 CDT

The Certification in Distressed Business Valuation (CDBV) program attests that Cross, a founder of Grant Thornton’s CARS practice, and Peko are properly qualified in the valuation of distressed assets, including those of distressed or bankrupt companies.

Grant Thornton issues recommendations on Enhancing the Value of Auditor Reporting: Exploring Options for Change

Tue, 18 Oct 2011 00:00:00 CDT

Grant Thornton has submitted its recommendations to the International Federation of Accountants (IFAC) on Enhancing the Value of Auditor Reporting: Exploring Options for Change. The consultation paper seeks to determine whether there are common views among users of audited financial statements and other stakeholders about the usefulness of auditor reporting.

Grant Thornton LLP named a 2011 Working Mother 100 Best Company

Thu, 15 Sep 2011 00:00:00 CDT

Highlighting the top companies who are paving the way for new moms and families everywhere, today Working Mother magazine has announced Grant Thornton as one of the 2011 Working Mother 100 Best Companies. This is the sixth consecutive year that Chicago-based Grant Thornton has made the “Working Mother Best Companies” list.

Only 13% of manufacturers confident about U.S. economy

Wed, 14 Sep 2011 00:00:00 CDT

U.S. manufacturing leaders are extremely pessimistic about the U.S. economy, according to Grant Thornton LLP’s most recent Business Optimism Index, a quarterly survey of U.S. manufacturing business leaders. Only 13% believe the U.S. economy will improve in the next six months, down significantly from 40% in May. At the same time, 40% believe the U.S. economy will get worse, up from 26%. In addition, only 21% of manufacturers say they will increase hiring and 35% say they plan layoffs.

Business confidence in U.S. economy drops to lowest level since 2009

Thu, 01 Sep 2011 00:00:00 CDT

Confidence in the United States economy fell to its lowest level in more than two years, according to the most recent quarterly Business Optimism Index from Grant Thornton LLP. Fewer than 20% of U.S. business leaders believe that the domestic economy will improve in the next six months, a decrease of 60% from the second quarter of this year.

Half of bankers believe Dodd-Frank won’t be effective in detecting risks to the financial system

Thu, 21 Jul 2011 00:00:00 CDT

Nearly half (48%) of bankers believe that the overall financial reform will not be effective in detecting broad risks to the financial system and preventing or reducing the threat of a future taxpayer-funded bailout, according to Grant Thornton LLP’s 18th Bank Executive Survey, conducted in conjunction with Bank Director magazine.

Grant Thornton LLP admits 26 new partners and principals to the firm

Tue, 19 Jul 2011 00:00:00 CDT

Grant Thornton LLP admitted 26 new partners and principals to the firm, effective August 1. These partners and principals are based throughout the firm’s offices across the country.

Grant Thornton LLP becomes Preferred Solution Implementer of CCH’s Global Integrator

Thu, 14 Jul 2011 00:00:00 CDT

CCH today announced that Grant Thornton LLP has been named a Preferred Implementer of CCH Global Integrator – a web-based solution providing global data collection and consolidation, tax provisioning and tax reporting on a single platform.

Grant Thornton LLP releases new paper to clarify the decision-making process around SOC reports

Tue, 12 Jul 2011 00:00:00 CDT

Grant Thornton LLP’s Business Advisory Services group has released a new paper, Puzzled about SOC reports? Clarifying the decision-making process, in order to help service organizations better understand the differences between the three different service organization control (SOC) reports.

Bradley J. Preber named National Managing Partner of Grant Thornton LLP’s Economic Advisory Services practice

Mon, 11 Jul 2011 00:00:00 CDT

Grant Thornton LLP announced today that effective Aug. 1, 2011, Bradley J. Preber will serve as the National Managing Partner of the firm’s Economic Advisory Services (EAS) practice. Preber takes over from Larry Redler, Grant Thornton’s current EAS National Managing Partner, who will be retiring on July 31. Grant Thornton’s EAS practice encompasses the firm’s Forensic, Investigations and Litigation and Valuation groups.

NYS Tobacco Settlement Financing Corp. selects Grant Thornton LLP’s Public Finance group as agent on $959.1 million bond refinancing

Thu, 30 Jun 2011 00:00:00 CDT

Grant Thornton LLP’s Public Finance practice today announced it has been selected by the Tobacco Settlement Financing Corp. of the State of New York (TSFC) to serve as the structuring and refunding verification agent on TSFC’s $959.1 million bond offering that will be used to refinance existing debt.

Grant Thornton LLP announces Issues and trends: Assessing and managing SaaS risk

Wed, 15 Jun 2011 00:00:00 CDT

Grant Thornton LLP’s Software practice released Issues and trends: Assessing and managing SaaS risk. The paper provides an in-depth look at and analysis of issues within the growing software as a service (SaaS) technology industry segment, including the primary risk factors confronting companies that operate in the sector, and steps that CEOs, board directors and other C-suite executives can take to diminish risks.

Confidence in U.S. economy drops amongst financial service industry leaders

Tue, 14 Jun 2011 00:00:00 CDT

U.S. financial services leaders are tempering expectations for U.S. economy, according to Grant Thornton LLP’s most recent Business Optimism Index, a quarterly survey of U.S. financial services leaders. While 61% believe the U.S. economy will improve in the next six months, this is down from 72% three months earlier. At the same time, 8% believe the U.S. economy will get worse, up from 3%.

Manufacturing confidence in U.S. economy drops sharply

Tue, 14 Jun 2011 00:00:00 CDT

U.S. manufacturing leaders have turned pessimistic regarding the U.S. economy, according to Grant Thornton LLP’s most recent Business Optimism Index, a quarterly survey of U.S. manufacturing business leaders. Only 40% believe the U.S. economy will improve in the next six months, down from 60% three months earlier. At the same time, 26% believe the U.S. economy will get worse, up from 3%.

Grant Thornton LLP releases new white paper 'A well-oiled machine: Maximizing machinery and equipment opportunities, minimizing risks'

Mon, 13 Jun 2011 00:00:00 CDT

Grant Thornton LLP’s Manufacturing practice today announced the release of A well-oiled machine: Maximizing machinery and equipment opportunities, minimizing risks. The paper addresses and analyzes the machinery and equipment market, highlighting critical issues facing companies that span the strategic, tax, regulatory and operational landscape. The white paper also recommends a number of relevant considerations and best practices for machinery and equipment manufacturers as they look to manage their challenges, their companies and their bottom line, as well as pursue new business opportunities.

Business confidence plunges 7.1 points from March as only 40% plan to hire and majority believe U.S. economy will remain the same or possibly weaken

Mon, 13 Jun 2011 00:00:00 CDT

U.S. business leaders have turned pessimistic, according to Grant Thornton LLP’s most recent Business Optimism Index, a quarterly survey of U.S. business leaders. Only 45% believe the U.S. economy will improve in the next six months (down from 64% three months earlier), 40% plan to increase staff (down from 49%), while 12% plan to decrease staff (up from 10%) The Index itself is down 7.1 points to 62.6.

National survey finds private company CFOs prefer the FASB as standard setter by large margin

Mon, 06 Jun 2011 00:00:00 CDT

A national survey of private company CFOs finds that the majority (59%) prefer the FASB as their accounting standard setter. The remainder of the CFOs were split between adoption of IFRS for SMEs (22%) and a separate standard setter for private companies (18%). The responses from CFOs at public companies were similar.

Want a flex work schedule? Global survey says look for a job in Finland, Sweden or Australia; avoid Japan, Greece or Armenia

Mon, 06 Jun 2011 00:00:00 CDT

A global survey of more than 7,700 businesses in 39 countries by global accounting organization Grant Thornton International found Finland, Sweden and Australia as the countries with the highest percentage of companies offering flexible work arrangements, while Japan, Greece and Armenia were the lowest.

Grant Thornton LLP receives Qualified Security Assessor Company designation from Payment Card Industry Security Standards Council

Tue, 31 May 2011 00:00:00 CDT

Grant Thornton LLP announced today that it has been named a Qualified Security Assessor (QSA) company by the Payment Card Industry Security Standards Council (PCI SSC). This designation marks a significant achievement for Grant Thornton, which is now one of the largest public accounting firms in the U.S. to hold this certification. To become a QSA company Grant Thornton completed a rigorous vetting process and demonstrated the highest level of competence and expertise in delivering PCI assessments in accordance with the PCI Data Security Standard (PCI DSS).

Grant Thornton LLP Foundation donated $101,954 to Red Cross for Japan Earthquake and Pacific Tsunami Relief

Fri, 27 May 2011 00:00:00 CDT

Southern California Managing Partner Joel Anik of Grant Thornton LLP presented a check for $101,954 on behalf of the Grant Thornton Foundation to the Board of Directors of the Greater Los Angeles Chapter of Red Cross at their Board meeting on Thursday, May 26 at the California Club in downtown Los Angeles.

National survey of Banking/Financial Services CFOs finds increased optimism on U.S. economy, but concern about health care reform

Tue, 24 May 2011 00:00:00 CDT

Nearly half (48%) of the Banking/Financial Services CFOs said that they expect the U.S. economy to improve in the next six months and nearly two-thirds (65%) are optimistic about their own company; however, 55% also report that they plan to increase the prices or fees charged by their company in the next six months. Regarding health care reform, 49% of Banking/Financial Services CFOs said that it will decrease their hiring (compared to 37% nationally), 52% said that it would decrease their company’s growth (compared to 40% nationally) and 58% said that it would increase their product pricing (compared to 49% nationally).

Grant Thornton LLP National CFO Survey: Majority see state corporate income taxes increasing along with state tax audits

Thu, 19 May 2011 00:00:00 CDT

In a national survey of U.S. CFOs and senior comptrollers conducted by Grant Thornton, 38% of CFOs said that state and local tax compliance is more demanding than federal tax compliance, and an additional 31% said it was about as demanding as federal tax compliance.

Grant Thornton LLP releases new white paper Turnaround “apps” for the public sector

Wed, 18 May 2011 00:00:00 CDT

As business and civic leaders huddle over their personal digital devices, such as iPads, iPods, iPhones, BlackBerrys and Droids, seeking to tap the next “app” that will solve their latest problem, Grant Thornton’s CARS practice has developed its own set of “apps” from its extensive restructuring advisory work with corporations, translated for the public sector, to give government officials the structure and tools needed to address priorities, restore fiscal stability, stimulate growth and resolve complex economic and service issues in their respective states and municipalities.

Grant Thornton LLP Partner Michael Patanella named chair of NYSSCPA’s new Private Equity and Venture Capital Committee

Thu, 05 May 2011 00:00:00 CDT

Michael Patanella, an Audit partner in Grant Thornton LLP’s Financial Services practice, was recently named chair of the new Private Equity and Venture Capital Committee of the New York State Society of Certified Public Accountants (NYSSCPA).

Leveraging Technology to Improve Government Service is Theme of 21st Annual Survey of Federal CIOs

Wed, 04 May 2011 00:00:00 CDT

Success in the federal government’s information technology (IT) world has more to do with leadership and good management than with hardware, software and communication networks, according to the 21st Annual Survey of Federal Chief Information Officers (CIO) released today by TechAmerica and Grant Thornton LLP. Even the highest-tech world of cyber security depends more on getting top leadership involved than on encryption and codes, say survey respondents.

Grant Thornton LLP designated a Thomson Reuters Certified Implementer of the ONESOURCE indirect tax solution

Wed, 04 May 2011 00:00:00 CDT

Grant Thornton LLP — the U.S. member firm of Grant Thornton International Ltd, one of the six global audit, tax and advisory organizations — has been named a Certified Implementer of Thomson Reuters ONESOURCE(R) Indirect Tax, offered by the Tax & Accounting business of Thomson Reuters. Grant Thornton’s agreement with Thomson Reuters provides that any Grant Thornton International member firm is eligible to participate in the Certified Implementer Program (CIP).

Grant Thornton LLP and the Association for Corporate Growth announce the release of: Keeping LPs happy: It’s a whole new ballgame for private equity

Mon, 02 May 2011 00:00:00 CDT

Grant Thornton LLP’s Private Equity Services and the Association for Corporate Growth (ACG) announced the release of: Keeping LPs happy: It’s a whole new ballgame for private equity. The white paper offers new insights into today’s fundraising market, providing a fresh view into emerging expectations on the part of limited partners (LPs) as changing regulatory requirements, a highly competitive marketplace, and potential industry shakeout stand to reshape today’s private equity investment community.

Two-thirds of U.S. CFOs say reduce government spending to balance federal deficit

Mon, 02 May 2011 00:00:00 CDT

In a national biannual survey of U.S. CFOs and senior comptrollers conducted by Grant Thornton LLP, 64% say the best way to reduce the U.S. federal deficit is to reduce spending, while 35% say that there should be roughly equal measures of reduced spending and increased taxes.