Baker Tilly

Baker, Rooke & Co was formed in 1966 not 1967 (Accountancy, February 1966, p.142).

The early history of Howard, Tilly & Co is: Walter Howard 1870; Howard, Craggs & Co 1878; Howard, Howes & Co 1887; Howard, Howes & Walters 1891; Howard Brothers & Howes 1895; Howard, Howes & Gooderson 1901; and Howard, Howes & Co 1909 (Information supplied by Baker Tilly, 1989).

The firm of Tilly & Thomas was in existence in 1872, but was dissolved in 1874. John Henry Tilly was a member of the first Council of the Society of Accountants in England (1872). (The Accountant, October 1874, p.1 and Rules and Regulations of the Society of Accountants in England, 1875.)

Gillespie Brothers & Co amalgamated with Baker, Rooke & Co in 1974. The practice started by Thomas Gillespie in 1874 became Gillespie Brothers & Co in 1877. (Thomas Gillespie's obituary, The Accountant, 23 September 1922, p.433; ICAEW List of Members, 1881-1988; and information supplied by Baker Tilly, 1989.)

Harvey Preen & Co amalgamated with Baker, Rooke & Amsdons in 1981. The practice started by Harvey Edward Preen in 1875 became Harvey Preen & Co in 1891. (ICAEW List of Members, 1881-1988 and information supplied by Baker Tilly, 1989.)

Milne Ross amalgamated with Baker Tilly from 1 September 1992, the new firm practising under the latter name (Accountancy, August 1992, p.13).

Fraser Russell amalgamated with Baker Tilly from 1 July 2000, the new firm practising under the latter name (Accountancy, July 2000, p.8).

HLB Kidsons amalgamated with Baker Tilly on 1 April 2002, the new firm practising under the latter name (Accountancy, February 2002, p.10).

The trading entities of RSM Tenon were sold to Baker Tilly in August 2013 (FT, 22 August 2013). Baker Tilly rebranded all 35 former RSM Tenon offices across the UK on 2 October 2013 (Baker Tilly press release 'Baker Tilly rebrands former RSM Tenon offices, 2 October 2013).

On 11 June 2015 Baker Tilly announced that it would be adopting RSM as a common brand name. The change will be effective on 26 October 2015 (Baker Tilly press release 'Baker Tilly to strengthen market position by adopting RSM as global brand', 11 June 2015).

What's in a name: Firms' simplified family trees

Between January and December 1989, accounting historian Peter Boys prepared a series of simplified family trees showing the development of the big accountancy firms of the day.

The original trees from 1989 have been reproduced here with a series of textual updates from Peter Boys which have taken the story forward to May 2005, the 125th anniversary of ICAEW. Since then, the staff of the ICAEW Library & Information Service have added notes on further changes that have taken place.

If you are aware of any further information which would add to or improve the accuracy of the family trees please let us know.