PORTLAND, Oregon _ Honchen and Uhlenkott ("H&U"), an Anchorage-based consulting firm specializing in services to public utilities, will merge into AKT LLP, a leading financial services and business consulting company with offices in Oregon and California.

The combined companies will operate under the AKT name, uniting two businesses whose principals and employees have collaborated for many years to serve numerous Alaska utility clients and, in particular, telephone companies.

AKT’s acquisition of H&U was finalized Dec. 31, 2007. No changes in H&U management or staff are planned.

"We want our clients to benefit from high-quality attestation services and high-quality consulting services from one company - AKT," said Scott Daniels, AKT Principal, Telecommunications Division.

Building on an already strong relationship established over the last decade, H&U selected AKT as its partner with the goal of enhancing client service through the application of AKT’s technological resources, talented staff and complementary services. Both companies are leaders in serving the telecommunications industry, with AKT specializing in financial audit, tax and business consulting services and H&U in utility rate studies and regulatory consulting. Together, the combined company will offer clients more breadth in services and provide employees more opportunities for career advancement.

"The complement of AKT’s know-how and experience will add depth and value to the services we provide our clients. This is an essential piece to our sustainability and growth," said Larry Honchen, Principal of H&U.

AKT first entered the Alaska market in 1987 and now provides audit and tax services to 12 telecommunication companies based in Alaska and more than 60 telecommunication companies throughout the United States. The permanent presence in Alaska created by the merger will further reinforce AKT’s commitment to its current Alaska customers while providing an opportunity to expand. In Oregon and California, AKT serves several government entities, including water districts, utility companies and city and state agencies. Additionally, AKT is excited about the opportunity to offer H&U’s specialized services to clients in its other geographic markets, including Oregon and California.

"Bringing the two companies together will mean more resources to draw on while maintaining consistency in leadership," said Paul Keeler, a Senior Manager in AKT’s Telecommunications Division.

AKT helps organizations and individuals achieve their goals by offering an integrated suite of business and financial consulting services delivered by a team of knowledgeable and insightful experts who are personally committed to their clients and communities. AKT is a niche-driven firm with professionals who are industry specialists that provide focused expertise and support clients' international interests, with offices, partners and resources worldwide.

AKT’s personal, local and global services help clients achieve success. AKT’s service areas include organizational and financial consulting, benefit advisory, retirement plan administration, and wealth management. AKT’s clients span a number of industries, with concentrations in construction, telecommunications, healthcare, agriculture, private equity funds, and government and nonprofit.