ADELAIDE, AUSTRALIA: Two Adelaide-based advisory firms, Crosby Dalwood and Warnecke & Co, have announced a merger that will create a new entity operating under the Count brand.

The merger, which is expected to complete on 1 July 2023, will result in a combined revenue of about $4.7 million.

Count Limited (ASX: CUP), which owns 90% of Crosby Dalwood and will own 45% of the merged entity, welcomed the move as a sign of confidence in its strategic vision and growth strategy. Count is Australia’s leading integrated accounting and wealth services provider, with over 300 Member firms across the country.

The merged entity will be led by Peter Burrows, the current co-owner of Warnecke & Co, who will become the Managing Principal. Helga Baxter from Crosby Dalwood will become the Head of Financial Planning and Tony Naccarella, the other co-owner of Warnecke & Co, will become the Head of Accounting.

Mr Burrows said the merger would bring together the best of both firms and enhance their service proposition to clients in Adelaide.

“This merger brings strong capabilities from the Count community into one business, under a strong, nationally recognised brand. This will improve our service proposition and help us attract new clients who are familiar with Counts success,” he said.

Count CEO, Hugh Humphrey, said the merger was the first time in Count’s 43-year history that partner firms had chosen to trade under the Count brand, which he said was a terrific endorsement of the business’ growth strategy.

“We are pleased to see growth of the Count brand across the country, cementing our position as Australia’s leading integrated accounting and wealth services provider. We look forward to working with Peter, Helga, Tony and their team to support their success and deliver value to their clients,” he said.

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