GHJ Strengthens Hold on Entertainment Industry with Hacker Douglas Merger

Deal News | Jun 16, 2025 | EIN

GHJ Strengthens Hold on Entertainment Industry with Hacker Douglas Merger

GHJ, a downtown-based accounting firm, has strengthened its position in the entertainment accounting sector by acquiring Century City competitor Hacker, Douglas & Co. This strategic move brings five seasoned professionals from Hacker Douglas to GHJ's profit participation services practice, based in downtown Los Angeles. This acquisition not only adds expertise in entertainment industry residuals but also consolidates operations, closing the Century City location. GHJ's Managing Partner Tom Barry emphasized the acquisition as a victory for the firm's focus on profit participation practices. Elaine Douglas, a new partner from the acquisition, and Wendy Mills praised the merger's ability to enhance services while providing high-quality, personalized client experiences. This move further solidifies GHJ's status as one of the largest local accounting firms in Los Angeles and strengthens its grip as a leader in the entertainment sector. The firm's strategy follows a trend of consolidation in the accounting industry but remains committed to independent operation distinct from the Big Four firms.

Sectors

  • Accounting Services
  • Entertainment

Geography

  • United States – The merger involves U.S.-based accounting firms GHJ and Hacker Douglas, both prominently operating within Los Angeles, thus impacting the regional industry landscape.
  • Los Angeles, California – Both GHJ and Hacker Douglas are based in the Los Angeles area, with the merger consolidating operations in downtown Los Angeles.

Industry

  • Accounting Services – The merger between GHJ and Hacker Douglas is centered around accounting services, particularly focusing on profit participation and services in the entertainment sector.
  • Entertainment – GHJ's acquisition of Hacker Douglas enhances its specialization in entertainment, as both firms have significant involvement in film and TV profit participation.

Financials

    Participants

    NameRoleTypeDescription
    GHJAcquiring CompanyCompanyGHJ is a downtown-based accounting firm recognized for its work in the entertainment industry's profit participation sector.
    Hacker, Douglas & Co.Target CompanyCompanyHacker Douglas is an accounting firm based in Century City, known for its expertise in client service and entertainment industry.
    Tom BarryManaging PartnerPersonTom Barry is the Managing Partner at GHJ, overseeing and advocating for the merger with Hacker Douglas.
    Elaine DouglasNew PartnerPersonElaine Douglas is a new partner from Hacker Douglas, supportive of the merger and its potential benefits for clients.
    Wendy MillsNew PartnerPersonWendy Mills is a new partner on the deal, emphasizing the firms’ shared goal of exceptional client service.
    Mari-Anne KehlerChief Strategy OfficerPersonMari-Anne Kehler is the Chief Strategy Officer for GHJ, noting the firm's significant market share in entertainment profit participation.