Parente Randolph and Beard Miller to merge

Parente Randolph LLC and Beard Miller Company LLP are merging, the two firms announced today.

The combined accounting firm will have more than 170 partners and more than 1,200 employees in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, New York, Maryland, Delaware and Texas.

The name and logo of the new, combined firm are to be announced at the close of the deal, which is expected in the fourth quarter of 2009.

BC-PA-PARENTE-RANDOLPH-BMC

( BW)(PA-PARENTE-RANDOLPH-BMC) Parente Randolph and Beard Miller Company Announce Intent to Merge Business Editors

PHILADELPHIA--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jul. 27, 2009-- Two of the top 40 accounting and consulting firms in the United States - Parente Randolph LLC and Beard Miller Company LLP - announce their intent to merge. The merger of these prominent Mid Atlantic firms will create the top regional certified public accounting firm in the Northeast, with over 170 partners and more than 1,200 team members throughout Pennsylvania, New York, New Jersey, Maryland, Delaware and Texas. The name and logo of the new firm will be announced at the close of the merger, expected in the fourth quarter of 2009.

"Our new firm will have even deeper resources and broader areas of expertise to serve our clients, including more industry-specific expertise, specialized tax consulting and other business advisory resources," said bmc Chairman and CEO Lamar Stoltzfus. "While we will be a larger organization going forward, we are committed to staying true to what has made us successful - our experience, our close personal relationships, and our common commitment to exceptional client service."

Mr. Stoltzfus will serve as Chairman of the new firm, while Bob Ciaruffoli, Chairman and CEO of Parente Randolph, will serve as CEO.

"While already thriving in our respective markets, by combining our practices, we will be able to offer a broader array of industry expertise to our clients," said Bob Ciaruffoli. "This merger will catapult us to the top regional firm in the Northeast - we will be stronger, more diverse, and have even greater talent."

Parente Randolph and Beard Miller Company have grown on similar paths. Each firm has a solid foundation in local markets servicing small businesses, middle market and SEC registrant companies. The firms' existing service lines and industry specialties are complementary, thus enabling better and broader service to current and future clients. Although both firms share a similar footprint, there is little overlap in their markets, industry strengths and specialty consulting services.

Already the leader in Central and Eastern Pennsylvania, the new firm will be positioned as a significant practice in the New York City, New Jersey and Philadelphia markets. The firms' presence in key markets such as Maryland, Western Pennsylvania, upstate New York, and New Jersey will also be strengthened. These markets are imperative to the new firm's growth and development in the coming years. The new firm will be headquartered in Philadelphia, and management of the firm will be decentralized into eight regions. The new firm is committed to maintaining its local presences and serving and supporting local communities.

PARENTE RANDOLPH is one of the top 40 accounting and consulting firms in the United States and is headquartered in Philadelphia. The Firm has earned a strong reputation for industry expertise and exceeding the expectations of its clients by providing the custom solutions that help them prosper. The Parente team of 650 experienced professionals is passionate about providing personalized service, contributing to the success of their clients and giving back to the communities in which they operate. The firm is an independent member of Baker Tilly International, a premier international network of accounting and business advisory firms. Parente Randolph services clients from offices throughout Pennsylvania, New York, New Jersey, Delaware and Texas. To learn more, visit www.parentenet.com.

Beard Miller Company LLP (bmc) is the Mid Atlantic region's middle market and small business choice for accounting, audit, tax, and business consulting solutions. bmc is ranked among the Top 40 accounting firms in the USA and is an independent member of the BDO Seidman Alliance. bmc has 13 offices located throughout Pennsylvania, New Jersey, New York and Maryland. bmc combines an unparalleled scope of resources, proactive assistance, and seasoned, forward-thinking and experienced leadership that supports a synergistic business relationship. We work with our clients to facilitate their success and to move their vision forward. To learn ore, visit www.bmcvision.com.

Merger of Parente Randolph LLC and Beard Miller Company LLP Fact Sheet Parente Randolph LLC Founded: 1970 Chairman and CEO: Robert J. Ciaruffoli Markets: Pennsylvania, New York, New Jersey, Delaware, and Texas Offices: 14 Team Members: 87 principals and over 600 team members Global Affiliation: Baker Tilly International Beard Miller Company LLP Formed: 2001 Chairman and CEO: Lamar Stoltzfus Markets: Pennsylvania, New York, New Jersey, and Maryland Offices: 13 Team Members: 85 partners and over 550 team members Global Affiliation: BDO Seidman Alliance New Combined Firm Chairman: Lamar Stoltzfus CEO: Robert J. Ciaruffoli Footprint: Mid Atlantic (New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Delaware) and Texas Offices: 27 Team members: 172 partners and over 1,200 team members Headquarters: Philadelphia, PA Combined Revenue: Approximately $175 million Ranking: Largest regional CPA firm in the Northeast (excludes Metro NYC) Industry Specialties: Higher Education, Healthcare, Banking, Insurance, Manufacturing, Distribution and Retail, Real Estate and Construction, Public Utilities, Commercial Enterprises, Not for Profit, Employee Benefit Plans, Professional Services Consulting Services: Tax Consulting Services, Forensic and Litigation Services, Human Resources Consulting, Investment Banking, Technology and Software Services, Business Valuation, Investment Advisory Services, Corporate Governance and Risk Management SEC Clients: Approximately 120

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--30--MP/ph CONTACT: AgileCat Amber Kealey Director of Public Relations 215-508-2082 amberagilecat.com KEYWORD: UNITED STATES NORTH AMERICA PENNSYLVANIA INDUSTRY KEYWORD: PROFESSIONAL SERVICES ACCOUNTING CONSULTING SOURCE: Parente Randolph LLC and Beard Miller Company LLP Copyright Business Wire 2009 http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20090727005090/en

AP-NY-07-27-09 0900EDT