Weaver Merges with Elms Faris

21 May 2010

Weaver, one of the largest independent certified public accounting firms in the nation and an independent member of Baker Tilly International, announces its merger with Elms Faris effective 1 June 2010. This marks the first expansion of Weaver into the Midland / Odessa market.

Initially established in Midland in 1938 by George H. Marsh, Elms, Faris & Company, LLP is one of the oldest and largest locally-owned CPA and consulting firms in the Permian Basin and has been led, since 1999, by Larry Edgerton, managing partner. The firm provides assurance, tax, estate planning, information technology consulting, business valuation, management consulting and transaction advisory services. Industries for which the firm provides these services include oil and gas, construction, manufacturing, wholesale-distribution, not-for-profit, health care and state and local government.

"As a firm that serves businesses with interests throughout Texas, we are very excited about this merger," said Tommy D. Lawler, Weaver's managing partner and CEO. "Having a presence in Midland / Odessa allows us to further our state-wide expansion. Merging with Elms Faris will not only build our footprint and revenue, but it will also increase the depth of our niche practices including oil and gas, manufacturing and distribution and state and local government."

Larry Edgerton, CPA, has been named the Midland / Odessa executive partner. All of the firm's 53 employees, including ­39 accountants and consultants and six partners, will join the combined firm which will use the Weaver name.

"Our clients will benefit from the added depth and resource base this merger provides," said Edgerton. "We will be better positioned to serve growing businesses throughout this region of the state and continue to build upon the close, enduring relationships we have with our current clients."

The combined merged firm will remain in its current offices at 400 W. Illinois, Suite 1550, Midland and 700 N. Grant, Suite 800, Odessa.