Bay area accountancies combine

ST. PETERSBURG — Hevia Beagles & Co. P.A. merged with Gregory, Sharer & Stuart P.A. last week. The merging of the two St. Petersburg-based accounting firms resulted in the creation of one company with nearly 60 employees.

Leslie Pelley, chief operating officer at Gregory Sharer Stuart, declined to disclose financial information surrounding the deal. However, Pelley did point out that the firm is “very pleased” to remain locally independent while many other accounting firms merge with national competitors.

Jim Newman, the firm's president and managing shareholder, said Hevia Beagles would “allow GSS to provide a broader range of services for clients.”