An official opening ceremony was held at the Yanqi Lake International Conference Centre in Beijing in October to launch the new RSM China formed from a merger between Huapu Tianjian and GT Ascenda.

Attended by over 300 accounting professionals, government members and senior leaders from the RSM International network, the ceremony, on October 18, marked the formal launch of the combined organisation comprising 3,200 partners and employees across 16 offices.

The merger, which was announced earlier this year, has significantly increased RSM’s client service expertise and scale in this critical economy and is the latest strategic step in RSM’s ambitious Chinese growth plans. As a result, new offices have opened in Xiamen, Wuxi, Fuzhou, Nanning, Nanjing, Guangzhou and RSM China’s position as the leading audit, tax and consulting provider servicing the middle market has been reinforced.

RSM China has an impressive client base and a robust, specialist skillset across the Chinese IPO, M&A and securities markets and is one of a select number of firms currently serving the new Shanghai Stock Exchange Technology Innovation Board designed to rival the US’ tech-heavy Nasdaq.

Future plans are focused on further developments in the current international hubs in Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou and Shenzhen, while expanding the footprint of the business in coastal cities. Longer-term plans include expansion into the western region of China.

Jean Stephens, CEO of RSM International said:

“I was delighted to attend RSM China’s opening ceremony to celebrate this important new chapter for their firm and for the RSM International network. With the addition of GT Ascenda, the professional capabilities, size and brand recognition of RSM in China have been greatly enhanced in what is an exceptionally important market for us, as our clients continue to seek a greater level of interconnected, global advice and expertise.

“On behalf of RSM International, I would like to extend a very warm welcome to our new partners and congratulate them on their work towards building RSM China.”

Houfa Xiao, Chief Partner, RSM China added:

“The launch celebration in Beijing was a real success and an opportunity for us to showcase the incredible progress that already been made at RSM China, as well as discuss our exciting future plans.

“Joining the RSM network has provided an exceptional platform to enable our goal of becoming a top ten player. We are now better placed than ever to provide the highest quality service and will continue to focus on offering integrated global advice and solutions to our middle-market clients looking for both local and multi-jurisdictional expertise.”