BST & CO. ANNOUNCES MERGER WITH O’CONNOR & O’CONNOR CPAS

Two of the Capital Region’s most established accounting firms combine forces

ALBANY, N.Y. – BST & Co. CPAs, LLP, one of the area’s leading accounting and management consulting firms, today announced a merger with O’Connor & O’Connor CPAs, an Albany-based accounting firm that has served clients in the Capital Region and beyond for more than half a century.

O’Connor & O’Connor CPAs offers a variety of professional accounting, financial and tax services to businesses and non-profit organizations. The team, comprised of four CPAs and administrative staff, counts small businesses, professional service firms, professional athletes, medical practices, real estate agencies, and individuals among its clients. As the business has grown, its needs have evolved, prompting leadership to seek a like-minded business partner poised for exceptional future growth.

“BST is thrilled to join forces with O’Connor & O’Connor CPAs, whose culture, clients and reputation are second to none. John and I have known each other professionally and socially for 35 years and we are excited for our firms to come together at this time,” said Ron Guzior, BST & Co. Managing Partner. “We are confident that the many years of expertise the veteran tax specialists from O’Connor & O’Connor bring to our team will benefit our existing clients and enable us to cultivate deeper relationships through expanded solutions for O’Connor & O’Connor clients.”

O’Connor & O’Connor CPAs was originally established more than five decades ago as a part-time practice under the sole leadership of John V. O’Connor Sr., a full-time professor of accounting and taxation at UAlbany and Siena College. After earning his degree from St. Bonaventure University and getting licensed as a Certified Public Accountant, his son John V. O’Connor Jr. joined the firm in 1981. The father- and-son team formed O’Connor & O’Connor CPAs in 1984. O’Connor Jr.’s sister Mary, an alumnus of Bryant College and Certified Public Accountant, came onboard three years later. Prior to the merger with BST, the sibling CPA team managed the business.

“We are excited to partner with a firm that shares similar client service focus, demonstrated professionalism, and a common culture,” said John O’Connor Jr. “BST’s expansive resources, such as sophisticated Information Technology, Marketing and Virtual Accounting tools, will give us the edge we need to better compete in today’s global marketplace and offer our staff greater opportunities for professional growth.”

One of the area’s most trusted accounting, business advisory, and management consulting firms, BST & Co. dates back to 1947. Comprised of more than 100 partners and associates, BST offers a broad portfolio of services to clients that include closely held companies, family-owned businesses, not-for-profit and governmental entities, and high-net worth individuals.

The partnership with O’Connor & O’Connor CPAs marks the second merger for BST in less than two years.

Later this month, BST will move its Albany-based corporate headquarters to 10 British American Boulevard to accommodate its expanded operations within a 25,000-square foot collaborative workspace. The team from O’Connor & O’Connor will join BST at the new location in mid-December.

For more information about BST & Co. CPAs, LLP, visit www.BSTco.com.

About BST & Co., LLP

BST & Co. CPAs, LLP is a multi-disciplinary accounting and business advisory firm headquartered in Albany serving the needs of closely held companies, family-owned businesses, not-for-profit and governmental entities, and high-net worth individuals. BST offers a broad portfolio of accounting and auditing, tax, consulting, outsourced accounting, talent strategy and marketing services; as well as valuations, forensic accounting and litigation support.