For First Time Ever, Non Big 5 Accounting Firm Leading U.S. Peers in Mergers and Acquisition Deals.

Business Editors

CHICAGO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--July 24, 2002

For the first time in the history of Public Accounting Report's survey of merger and acquisition deals by U.S. accounting firms, a non Big 5 firm -- global accounting firm Grant Thornton -- has received top ranking. It is also the first time since 1996 that KPMG has not led the survey.

"We have a passion for exceeding the expectations of clients, and believe that this is the direct result of satisfied clients telling others about our mergers and acquisitions skills," said J.W. Mike Starr, Grant Thornton managing partner of Assurance and Advisory Services.

Grant Thornton led with 59 M&A deals, followed by KPMG with 25, Andersen with 21, PriceWaterhouseCoopers with seven, Ernst & Young with five, and Deloitte & Touche with two.

Grant Thornton is the leading global accounting, tax, and business advisory firm dedicated to serving the needs of middle-market companies. Founded in 1924, Grant Thornton serves public and private middle-market clients through 50 offices in the United States, and in more than 650 offices in 109 countries. Grant Thornton's Web site address is www.GrantThornton.com.