Merger of local firms establishes Grant Thornton in Cameroon
Consulting firm Grant Thornton has added yet another member firm to its operations on the African continent, this time in Cameroon. The presence is made possible through the merger of two local legal and accounting firms.
Grant Thornton (GT) has expanded significantly over the last few years, and has now established a global presence, operating across 130 countries, with over 47,000 people. In essence, member firms are local firms acquired by the accounting and consulting firm, who then carry GT’s name alongside theirs when operating in the country.
In Africa, Grant Thornton currently has member firms in 24 countries, including the likes of Egypt, Senegal, Tunisia, South Africa, Namibia, Uganda, Tanzania, and many others. GT’s practice in each of these countries runs through the apparatus of a well-established local firm. For example, GT Egypt runs through Mohammed Ilal accounting and auditing, while their practice in Tanzania runs by the name of Tanna Srikumar Grant Thornton.
Now, the firm has expanded its presence in the region to 25 countries with the addition of a member firm in Cameroon. This member firm has, in turn, been formed through the merger of two companies, namely FAA Tax & Legal, and AGM Cameroun.
FAA Tax & Legal, which is more legally oriented in its expertise, will now operate as GT Tax and Legal. This segment will operate with the 20 employees and 3 partners that were already with FAA. Heading this segment will be Chartered Tax Adviser and former Tax and Legal Partner at FAA, Jacques Bakelak.
Meanwhile, AGM Cameroun, which is an accounting firm, will now operate under the name of Grant Thornton audit and advisory. The firm specialises in public accounting, auditing, and consulting. This segment will be headed by audit specialist Emmanuel Nack.
Together, the firms will operate as Grant Thornton Cameroon. The operations will be based out of a single office space in Douala, which is the economic capital of Cameroon. In addition, the firm will run out of another office in the capital city of Yaounde. In total, the country organisation will employ 30 accountants, auditors and consultants.