Leading Edge Alliance Named Second Largest International Association

IRVINE, Calif. – March 17, 2014 – Haskell & White LLP, one of Southern California’s largest independently owned accounting, auditing and tax consulting firms, is proud to announce that the LEA Global/Leading Edge Alliance (LEA) has been ranked by the International Accounting Bulletin as the second largest international association of independent firms for 2014. Haskell & White has been an LEA member since 2000.

LEA Global is an international group of independently owned accounting and consulting firms. Established in 1999, the LEA has more than 190 member firms worldwide with collective revenues of more than $2.9 billion. More than 100 countries are represented by the association.

“Relationships and resources provided through our association with LEA, offers Haskell & White clients superior service that spans the globe,” said Wayne Pinnell, managing partner with Haskell & White. “The network of expertise is readily accessible to respond to the changing landscape of the accounting world and our clients’ needs.”

The organization, which focuses on accounting, financial and business advisory services, leverages the combined knowledge of more than 1,600 partners and 23,500 staff members.

“LEA Global is honored to maintain such a prestigious ranking,” said Michael Davis, managing partner HW Fisher & Company, London & LEA Chair. “With our robust and growing membership, we are able to connect the thought leaders of firms around the world and contribute valuable resources to them, making them even stronger.”

LEA organizations must complete a rigorous process to join the alliance, ensuring that the level of talent and capabilities in the network are top-notch.

“When the idea for LEA was conceived, the plan was to introduce an independent association that helped firms compete with the Big Four. The competitive landscape changed since our inception in 1999 as other large national and regional firms emerged. Yet the continued growth of the Alliance is a testament to the independent successes of member firms and their ability to understand and proactively deal with new challenges. The appeal of an accomplished association that consistently meets the needs of its membership is indisputable,” said Gary Shamis, Managing Partner SS&G Financial Services, Inc. & LEA Chair Emeritus. “Accounting has come out of the dark ages. The most successful firms operate as strategic businesses, and this view extends to its client base, centers of influence and the alliance it belongs to. Over the past 14 years, LEA’s success has proven that the attention and support it provides to its members, including their overall operations special interest groups, has been a major factor in the success of its member firms.”

About Haskell & White LLP
Haskell & White LLP is one of the largest independently owned accounting, auditing and tax consulting firms in Southern California, servicing public and private middle-market companies. With locations in Irvine and San Diego, Haskell & White combines the expansive services, knowledge, experience and reach of national and international accounting firms with the personal attention, responsiveness and value of a local organization. Haskell & White works with companies in a broad range of industries including real estate, manufacturing, distribution, life science, technology, and retail. The firm provides solid expertise and services to its clients in the tax and audit disciplines, including advising SEC registrants and consulting on mergers and acquisitions. Further information on Haskell & White can be found on the firm’s website, www.hwcpa.com.