Baker Tilly strengthens Bay Area presence with Seiler acquisition

Strategic combination underscores commitment to serving family offices and ultra-high-net-worth clients, positioning Baker Tilly as a Top 5 firm in the Bay Area

SAN FRANCISCO (May 16, 2024) – Leading advisory CPA firm Baker Tilly US, LLP (Baker Tilly) announces its acquisition of accounting and advisory firm Seiler LLP (Seiler), effective July 1. This move represents Baker Tilly's commitment to expanding its footprint in the San Francisco Bay Area, reinforcing its dedication to delivering unparalleled service to family offices and ultra-high-net-worth clients.

With a 65-year legacy, Seiler has established itself as an iconic advisory, tax and accounting services provider with deep roots in the Silicon Valley and the San Francisco Bay Area. Seiler’s reputable work serving ultra-high-net-worth individuals, families, closely held enterprises and non-profit organizations across the country strengthens Baker Tilly’s expertise in this space and its dedication to delivering tailored solutions and fostering enduring client relationships. Seiler’s legacy speaks volumes about its expertise and influence, making it a natural choice for Baker Tilly as it seeks to bolster its Bay Area presence and capabilities.

“The Bay Area market is a major business incubator on the West Coast and an international connection point,” said Baker Tilly Bay Area Managing Partner Lynette Stolarzyk. “Our combination with Seiler will enable us to continue growing and injecting innovation, value creation and an elevated customer experience in this pivotal market.”

Seiler CEO George Marinos will become Baker Tilly’s Regional Tax Leader – Western U.S., succeeding Gabe Torre who will step into the role of Managing Partner – Western U.S. This change comes as Steve Milner, with an illustrious 35-year career at Baker Tilly and Squar Milner, retires. Seiler Partner Ron LaVelle will assume the role of Baker Tilly Private Wealth practice leader.

“This combination will provide expansive resources, opportunities, technical expertise and service lines that will be of immense benefit to clients and employees as well as a dynamic platform for smart, tactical growth,” said Marinos. “Baker Tilly shares our vision and bullishness for what is possible. In short, we are all in.” 

“With Seiler now part of our team, Baker Tilly solidifies its standing as a premier firm in the Bay Area,” said Baker Tilly Western U.S. Managing Partner, Steve Milner. “It has been an honor leading Baker Tilly on the West Coast, and I am extremely proud of our team, the growth we’ve achieved and our firm’s prospects for the future.”

Following Baker Tilly’s recent transformative strategic investment from Hellman & Friedman and Valeas Capital Partners, the acquisition of Seiler marks a significant step forward. “This combination continues our strong track record of growth and underscores our dedication to innovation, delivering unparalleled client experiences and building the country’s preeminent mid-market advisory CPA firm," said Jeff Ferro, Baker Tilly CEO.

As the 10th largest CPA firm in the U.S., Baker Tilly brings a wealth of opportunities to Seiler's team members, emphasizing a shared vision of excellence and professional development. Together, the firms will continue to preserve Seiler's unique expertise and client experience while charting a pathway for future success and growth.

About Baker Tilly US, LLP (bakertilly.com)

Baker Tilly US, LLP (Baker Tilly) is a leading advisory CPA firm, providing clients with a genuine coast-to-coast and global advantage in major regions of the U.S. and in many of the world’s leading financial centers – New York, London, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Chicago and Boston. Baker Tilly is an independent member of Baker Tilly International, a worldwide network of independent accounting and business advisory firms in 141 territories, with 43,000 professionals and a combined worldwide revenue of $5.2 billion. Visit bakertilly.com or join the conversation on LinkedIn, Facebook and Instagram.

About Seiler LLP (seiler.com)

For more than 65 years, Seiler has provided advisory, tax, and accounting services to some of the world’s most visionary and influential people, businesses, and non-profit organizations. Seiler’s clients include prominent philanthropic, business, and community leaders, as well as multi-generational families and entrepreneurs.

Based in Silicon Valley and the San Francisco Bay Area, Seiler is an independent member of HLB, the global advisory and accounting network. The firm delivers the sophisticated solutions, innovative thinking, global capabilities, and highly personalized service our clients require to navigate the complexities of their financial worlds.