Press releases

Grant Thornton New Zealand has acquired the management advisory firm Management Toolbox Ltd, reflecting the increasing demand from New Zealand business owners for advice on how to take advantage of the emerging growth trends in their key markets.

Management Toolbox is a successful and innovative  company made up of a group of organisational engineers who help  businesses sharpen their strategy for growth and efficiency.

The acquisition reflects the findings of a recent Grant Thornton International Business Report which showed an increased number of New Zealand  business owners were feeling positive about the coming 12 months – with many  indicators pointing to growth plans, underpinned by increased employment.

Grant Thornton New Zealand CEO, Wayne Jackson, says the firm is heeding its own message by acquiring  Management Toolbox, which has a strong track record of advising some of New Zealand’s leading high growth companies in areas such as strategic road mapping, sales effectiveness and performance improvement.

“The time is right to be thinking of growth,” says Jackson.

Another Grant Thornton International Business Report released pointed to the high growth rates in Brazil, Russia, China and India (BRIC), and the fact that New Zealand’s trading future is moving strongly away from Europe.

“For many dynamic Kiwi businesses this means looking off-shore at new markets. Our clients are increasingly looking to us to review their strategy – to help manage the risks of what, for many, is a major step, and to link with our global network in their target markets.

“Management Toolbox is a key part of making sure we remain at the forefront of helping our clients grow,” says Jackson.

With this acquisition Grant Thornton New Zealand has formed a new Business Transformation service which offers strategic procurement, product improvement and strategic planning services.

Grant Thornton National Director, Business Transformation, Ross Darrah, previous owner and managing director of Management Toolbox, is thrilled about the company’s new combined service.

“While Grant Thornton partners and their clients now have access to our services, Management Toolbox’s clients also have seamless access to the high quality and global expertise and reach of Grant Thornton,” says Darrah.

“We have already formed an incredible synergy with Grant Thornton and our complimentary offerings ensure a very potent choice of adviser for the full range of New Zealand entities.

“Grant Thornton has proved to be the perfect partner to ensure the continuing success and growth of the company I started more than 12 years ago.”

The Business Transformation service is led by Ross Darrah, and associates Michael Worth and Steve Philips.

Further enquiries, please contact:       

Wayne Jackson         
CEO, Grant Thornton New Zealand
T +64 (0)9 308 2588
E wayne.jackson@nz.gt.com