MNP Deepens Vancouver Roots with Merger Targeting Hollywood North

VANCOUVER, BC – February 02, 2026 – National professional services giant MNP is set to bolster its presence in British Columbia by joining forces with Sierra Accounting Inc., a specialized Vancouver firm. The merger, effective March 2, 2026, marks a significant strategic investment by MNP into one of Canada's most dynamic economic regions, specifically targeting the lucrative media and entertainment sector.

Sierra Accounting, founded by Gemma Davis, CPA, CA, has carved out a distinct niche by providing dedicated accounting and finance services to media production companies and small businesses. The entire Sierra team, along with Davis, will be integrated into MNP's Vancouver operations.

Cary Frank, MNP's Regional Managing Partner for Vancouver, framed the merger as a continuation of the firm's long-standing investment in the province. "Gemma and the Sierra Accounting Inc. team share our passion for supporting BC's business community," Frank stated in the official announcement. "Their expertise will help us reach and support more organizations across the province. We are excited to welcome them into the MNP family."

For Sierra Accounting, the move provides a gateway to a national platform. "We were looking for an opportunity to expand our capabilities and provide our clients with access to broader expertise and resources," said Davis. She emphasized that MNP was the "right fit" due to shared values and a commitment to long-term client relationships.

A Strategic Play in Hollywood North

This merger is more than a simple expansion; it's a calculated move into the heart of "Hollywood North." British Columbia's film, television, and digital media industry is a cornerstone of the provincial economy. As Canada's top production hub, BC accounts for 40% of the nation's film and TV work, making it the third-largest production center in North America, behind only California and New York.

Despite a temporary slowdown in 2023 due to industry-wide labor disputes, the sector generated an estimated $2 billion in GDP for BC, with projections aiming to reclaim and exceed the $4 billion revenue mark by 2025. This economic engine is fueled by a combination of world-class talent, robust infrastructure, and, crucially, attractive government tax incentives. In 2023-24 alone, the province provided over $900 million in film and television tax credits. Recent policy changes are set to make the region even more competitive, with the production services tax credit increasing from 28% to 36% for productions commencing after December 31, 2024.

This is where Sierra Accounting's specialized expertise becomes a key asset for MNP. The firm is known for guiding media companies through the complex tax credit certification process "from cradle to grave," liaising with regulatory bodies like the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) and the Canadian Audio Visual Certification Office. By acquiring this niche capability, MNP is positioning itself as an indispensable partner to a thriving industry that is heavily reliant on navigating intricate financial and regulatory landscapes.

The Consolidation Wave Continues

The MNP-Sierra deal is a microcosm of a much larger trend: the ongoing consolidation within Canada's professional services market. MNP has been a particularly active player, pursuing an aggressive growth-by-acquisition strategy to expand its national footprint and compete with the dominant "Big Four" accounting firms.

Over the past five years, MNP has completed at least 10 acquisitions. This includes several landmark deals, such as the absorption of 26 regional offices from Deloitte in 2021 and a major deal to acquire 21 offices from BDO Canada in late 2024, which swelled its ranks by over 40 partners and 420 team members. This relentless expansion has cemented MNP's position as the largest of Canada's mid-market focused firms, with over 150 locations from coast to coast.

The strategy is not just about size but also about specialization. Recent acquisitions have brought in expertise in IT services, asset management, and Microsoft Dynamics 365 solutions, reflecting a market where clients demand a full suite of advisory services beyond traditional accounting and tax.

Darren Turchansky, MNP's Executive Vice President for British Columbia, acknowledged the firm's rapid growth but stressed the importance of careful selection. "We are growing fast but we're absolutely committed to maintaining our culture and so have always been very strategic about who we invite to join our team," he noted. This approach is critical in a market where many mergers are driven by succession planning, as a wave of small and mid-sized firm owners look toward retirement, creating opportunities for larger players to acquire established client books and local talent.

Beyond the Balance Sheet: A Merger of Cultures

In the professional services industry, where relationships and trust are the primary currency, a successful merger hinges on more than financial synergy. Both MNP and Sierra have heavily emphasized the alignment of their corporate cultures as a key driver for the deal.

Turchansky highlighted this, stating, "Our cultures and values are well-aligned, and we share the same entrepreneurial, trusted approach to doing business." This sentiment was echoed by Gemma Davis, who pointed to shared values and a focus on exceptional client service as the reason MNP was the "right fit."

This focus on cultural compatibility is a deliberate strategy to ensure a smooth integration and, most importantly, client and staff retention. MNP's long-standing motto—"National in scope and local in focus"—is put to the test during such mergers. The goal is to provide Sierra's existing clients with the best of both worlds: the continued relationship with the trusted advisors they know, now backed by the extensive resources of a national firm. For clients in the media sector, this means access to MNP's broader expertise in areas like international tax, digital transformation, and complex consulting engagements, all while maintaining the specialized industry knowledge they rely on.

As the March 2 integration date approaches, the merger signals MNP's clear intent to not just participate in but lead the professional services market for British Columbia's vibrant and growing creative economy. By acquiring a firm with deep roots and specialized knowledge in Hollywood North, MNP has secured a strategic advantage in a sector poised for continued growth.