Green Bay, Wis. (Oct. 6, 2005) -- Wipfli LLP has acquired the Microsoft Great Plains software consulting practice of Grant Thornton, an accounting, tax and business consulting firm. The acquisition was completed on September 23.

As a result of the acquisition, Wipfli has expanded its capabilities to better meet the needs of its small and mid-size business clients. Wipfli, a Microsoft Gold Certified CPA and consulting firm with offices in Wisconsin and Minnesota, has the largest number of clients supported by Microsoft Great Plains in Wisconsin.

Wipfli gained three experienced staff members through the acquisition: Carole Westrich is a senior manager; Evonne Ganz joined as a manager; and Lisa Hunter is a senior consultant. All will be working within Wipfli's information technology practice. Westrich and Hunter are based in Wipfli’s Green Bay office, while Ganz is based out of the Madison office.

“We are committed to serving the system, process and technology needs of our small and medium business clients,” says Ken Kortas, a practice leader in Wipfli’s information technology practice. “We serve these clients by helping them leverage their network and software systems to become more efficient and more profitable. The Microsoft talent we have now with Carole, Evonne and Lisa on board adds depth to our information technology practice, which now has over 110 consultants, 30 of which are dedicated to the small and medium business market.”

About Microsoft Great Plains

Microsoft Great Plains is a cost-effective comprehensive software solution for businesses to manage and integrate finances, e-commerce, supply chain, manufacturing, project accounting, field service, customer relationships and human resources.

About Wipfli

With more than 650 associates and 18 offices in Wisconsin and Minnesota, Wipfli ranks among the largest CPA and consulting firms in the nation. Wipfli can advise in all areas of business, from finance and operations to human resources, information technology, and customer relationships. Wipfli’s clients include manufacturers, health care organizations, financial institutions, nonprofit entities, dealerships, contractors and developers, small businesses, and individuals. Wipfli’s 75-year legacy of helping its clients succeed is a point of pride for each of the firm’s partners and associates.