BDO AND BROWNING CROCKER ANNOUNCE MERGER
Expanding one of Canada's most comprehensive financial recovery practices, BDO Canada Limited, Trustee in Bankruptcy and Browning Crocker Inc., Trustee in Bankruptcy merged their professional practices effective October 1, 2009. The merged offices now operate under the BDO Canada Limited name.
Browning Crocker Inc. was formed in 2001 by Lee C. Browning and Darren Crocker, both licensed Trustees in Bankruptcy. Craig Fryzuk, Trustee in Bankruptcy, joined Browning Crocker Inc. in 2002. The Browning Crocker professionals have extensive experience in all facets of insolvency engagements including consumer and corporate appointments, as well as in shareholder dispute matters and files relating to the agriculture industry. Browning Crocker services northern Alberta through their office in downtown Edmonton, and services the Northwest Territories and Nunavut with a satellite office in Yellowknife.
The new BDO team will continue to provide quality, timely and professional advice as well as experienced assistance to individuals and businesses undergoing financial difficulties. The combination will enable the firm to offer its clients an expanded range and depth of services, while allowing BDO to more effectively serve the Edmonton, northern Alberta, Northwest Territories and Nunavut marketplaces. BDO will serve clients through four Edmonton locations, as well as through satellite offices in Grande Prairie and Yellowknife.
Both practices are highly successful today operating as independent entities. Together, there will be over 20 staff, including 6 bankruptcy trustees and 14 professional staff, growing our presence in Alberta and the Territories. Additionally, these professionals will be backed up by a national network of dedicated financial recovery specialists with access to their resources. BDO Canada Limited holds one of Canada's first corporate licenses as a Trustee in Bankruptcy and presently has over 50 partners and professional staff nationwide.
According to Darren Crocker, Senior Vice President of Browning Crocker Inc., “This is an opportunity to provide our clients with access to a depth and breadth of expertise not previously available to them. With BDO’s resources, which extend across Canada and internationally, we can quickly and cost-effectively facilitate resolutions for virtually any type or size of business needing financial recovery and restructuring services.”
Keith Farlinger, Chief Executive Officer of BDO Canada LLP, comments: "I am thrilled at the prospect of adding the stature and capabilities of Lee Browning, Darren Crocker, Craig Fryzuk and their team to our firm. By continuing to merge with market leaders like Browning Crocker Inc., BDO is committed to building and strengthening its restructuring practice not only in Alberta, but right across Canada.”