• RSM’s five, long-standing French regional firms are to formally unite through a full merger
• The merger will enable game-changing investment into innovation, growth and talent 
• Rapid growth over the past 5 years has led to an estimated revenue of €116 million in 2019 
• Robust recruitment plans will seek to attract 200 employees by the end of 2020

RSM International, the leading global network of audit, tax and consulting firms focused on the middle market, has announced significant changes to its regional structure in France, uniting the firms in a full merger.

Taking effect in July 2020, RSM's five established regional firms in France, which have collaborated closely under the RSM brand since 2005, will be merging into a single legal entity marking a crucial development to cement RSM’s position as a leading provider in the French market.

The merger is part of RSM’s strategy to embed the network’s single culture and brand promise, The Power of Being Understood and continue to enrich its middle market focused client service proposition. Through the merger, RSM France will have an enhanced geographical presence and will be best positioned to make significant investments and drive capabilities in innovation, growth and talent acquisition. 

Having doubled its workforce and turnover over the past five years and with an estimated 2019 turnover of 116 million euros, as well as close to 85 partners and 1,000 employees, RSM France intends to attract a further 200 employees by the end of 2020. 

In recent years, the RSM network has invested heavily into specialist services such as risk advisory, IT security and digital transformation as well as increasing cross-border collaboration. This merger will strategically fortify growth and development, enhance mobility and the sharing of ideas and insight across France and other member firms whilst also complementing RSM’s client-centred approach.

Jean-Michel Picaud, president of RSM France said:

“RSM France is entering into a new chapter. Moving from separate legal, regional entities towards one single, national entity reflects our strength and growth opportunities.

“Challenged by the ‘Pacte’ law, faced with the deregulation of the accounting profession and in an era of accelerated digitalisation, this merger will enable us to   think even more laterally and facilitate greater innovation and agility in our approach. ”

RSM International has placed a major focus on innovation over the past year with the network appointing Paul Herring as its Chief Innovation Officer, in September.

Jean Stephens, CEO of RSM International, said:

“In a digital era, innovation is fundamental to the continued success of our network internally and when it comes to providing effective client service - particularly across the middle market. RSM France is committed to driving change in order to benefit clients. This merger signals an exciting time not just for them but for the network as a whole. 

“It is also an important next step in an ongoing strategy of global brand building, and we look forward to supporting RSM France’s ambitious growth plans.”