Langenhorst & Self-Merritt, CPAs, PS, has merged its operations into the Spokane office of Fargo, N.D.-based Eide Bailly LLP, a regional certified public accounting and business advisory firm.

Founding partner Hubert Langenhorst says following the merger in January, the firm moved its staff of six into Eide Bailly’s Spokane office in the Spokesman-Review Building, at 999 W. Riverside, from its former office space in the Fidelity Building, at 522 W. Riverside. 

“It probably wasn’t the best time of year for a merger, being our busy season,” says Langenhorst. “But the management and staff here at Eide Bailly went above and beyond to help us with the transition process, and it went smoother than anticipated.” 

Founded in 1997, the firm started as Langenhorst Norwood & Hopkins, changing its name to Langenhorst & Self-Merritt in 2006 with the addition of partner Jeri Self-Merritt. 

Langenhorst & Self-Merritt provided accounting and auditing, taxation, consulting, and litigation support services for clients in the Spokane area. The firm served a variety of industries, focusing on construction contractors and real estate developers, as well as nonprofits and transportation.

Langenhorst says the firm’s union with Eide Bailly was strategic, meant to increase resources available to Spokane clients, while maintaining the same quality service the firm has delivered over its 20 years in operation.

“Larger firms often have more expertise in certain areas, with greater time and research capabilities,” he says. “We do a lot of work with the construction industry, and in that realm, it’s sometimes hard as a smaller firm to stay on top of bigger projects. Eide Bailly brings added expertise and research capabilities, and we in turn provide them with our expertise in the local construction markets.”

Additionally, Langenhorst says the merger also offers him the chance to begin transitioning clients to a new firm as he contemplates retirement.

“This merger provides a nice opportunity to transition our current clients, and as I near retirement, there’s potential for me to stick around part time or do consulting work in the construction realm.”

Including the former Langenhorst & Self-Merritt staff, Eide Bailly’s Spokane office currently has about 70 employees, Langenhorst says. 

This is the second Spokane CPA office Eide Bailly has merged with in recent years, having previously absorbed McDirmid, Mikkelsen & Secrest PS in 2014. 

In a recent press release, Eide Bailly managing partner and CEO Dave Stende said expanding in the state of Washington is part of the firm’s continuing strategy to grow west of the Mississippi River.

“Langenhorst & Self-Merritt will add depth to the services we offer clients, especially in the construction and nonprofit industries,” says Stende. “We’re also looking forward to the community connections and years of experience they bring to Eide Bailly.”

Founded in 1917, Eide Bailly provides core tax and audit services, as well as expanded offerings, including accounting, cost segregation, cyber security, financial, risk advisory, and technology consulting services. The firm operates 29 offices in 13 states.