MOSES LAKE - Accounting firms Clifton Gunderson and LarsonAllen are merging in January and naming the new business CliftonLarsonAllen, they announced this week.

LarsonAllen has a location in Moses Lake, where 15 employees work, according to Jennifer Dirks, of Clifton Gunderson.

There will be no layoffs before the merger and the company is likely to add employees during the next year, Dirks stated.

It is expected the merger will take effect Jan. 2, making the new company among the top 10 accounting firms in the U.S., according to a prepared statement.

Once formed, the company has more than $550 million in combined revenue, more than 3,600 employees and more than 500 partners, according to the companies.

There is expected to be locations in 25 states and Washington, D.C.

"This merger of peer firms changes the landscape of the accounting profession and pioneers a new trend by focusing primarily on private companies and their owners," stated Clifton Gunderson CEO Kris McMasters in part. "We will be the firm of choice, the champions and leading resource center for privately held companies, proactively addressing their needs with our comprehensive suite of services."

LarsenAllen CEO Gordy Viere commented the "cohesive trio of industry-focused guidance is uncommon for private businesses and public sector organization."

"It's a powerful new resource for them," he stated.