Grant Thornton Australia completes $1bn buyout with global platform

The $1 billion buyout deal between Grant Thornton Australia and multinational platform Grant Thornton Advisors LLC officially closed on Friday (21 August), bringing 1,500 professionals and six Australian offices to the global platform, further expanding its Asia-Pacific presence.

The completed transaction follows the deal’s signing in April of this year after the buyout proposal was won by a majority vote of the Australian firm’s partners.

Greenhill provided financial advice to Grant Thornton Australia for the transaction, while Allens and Maddocks provided legal advice to the firm.

Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP and Gilbert + Tobin provided legal advice to Grant Thornton Advisors LLC for the transaction.

Grant Thornton Advisors LLC chief executive Jim Peko said: “This transaction opens a new door for our platform's growth – bringing us the leadership, talent and quality we need to further expand our singular model within the Asia-Pacific region.”

“This is about building capabilities at scale across worldwide markets so we can move and grow with clients, while investing in the best technologies and creating even more opportunities for our people.”

Growing presence in the Asia Pacific region

This transaction further expands the multinational platform’s Asia-Pacific presence following Grant Thornton New Zealand's signing on with the global platform late last year, bringing its 300-strong workforce.

“The Asia-Pacific region is one of the most dynamic growth markets in the world, and we are building a platform with the talent, technology and connectivity the region needs,” said Grant Thornton Australia chief executive Said Jahani.

The current chief executive of the Australian firm will also become the inaugural chief executive of Grant Thornton Advisors LLC’s expanding Asia-Pacific region.

This appointment is effective immediately.

In the newly created role, Jahani will focus on expanding the platform’s cross-border footprint, enhancing its services and overseeing the region’s client experience, quality, technology and delivery.

Further, Jahani will join the Executive Committee at Grant Thornton Advisors LLC, reporting to Peko.

“I'm proud to be helping create new opportunities for our clients and our people. Together, we'll move faster, operate more confidently and succeed across borders," Jahani said.

Jahani has been chief executive of Grant Thornton Australia since July 2025 and has held numerous leadership roles, including national managing partner for Financial Advisory.

As the Australian firm joins the advisory platform, it continues to be part of the Grant Thornton International Limited network, with member firms in more than 150 markets worldwide.