KPMG to acquire consulting firm

KPMG LLP (Canada) has entered into an agreement to acquire Chartwell International Holdings Inc. and its wholly owned subsidiary, Chartwell IRM Inc., a 35-member Canadian-owned consulting firm specializing in enterprise architecture and public-sector transformation. Subject to the fulfillment of certain closing conditions, the transaction is expected to be completed on April 1, 2009, following which KPMG intends to integrate Chartwell with its advisory services practice.

“The addition of Chartwell’s people and knowledge will enhance KPMG’s offerings to our clients,” said John Herhalt, the national managing partner of KPMG’s advisory services practice in Canada, in a release. “Chartwell’s core skills in enterprise architecture are very much in demand by organizations in all industries. They complement KPMG’s deep technical expertise in the IT space, and enrich our complete advisory services portfolio for our clients.”

In particular, Chartwell’s capabilities will strengthen KPMG’s Canadian public-sector practice, which serves federal and provincial ministries and agencies, municipal governments and Crown corporations.

KPMG has a full range of advisory services designed to assist organizations with the management of technology investments and risks, by aligning IT capabilities with overall business strategy.

“We are pleased to be joining a global organization like KPMG with a strong and growing advisory services practice, true global reach and a deep commitment to serving the ever-changing needs of the public sector,” said Jeff Smith, CEO of Chartwell. “Chartwell is about its people and we are proud to have some of the leading minds in professional services as part of our team. Today’s announcement makes sense for Chartwell and its clients.”