Plante Moran and Blackman Kallick, announced that they will merge effective July 1, 2012 to form Chicago’s leading firm focused on the needs of Midwest middle-market companies. The combined firm will be the seventh largest accounting firm in Chicago with three local offices serving more than 5,000 clients, primarily in the manufacturing, real estate and construction, financial institutions, private equity and venture capital, not-for-profit, services and technology industries. Several organizations and media outlets have recognized both firms’ cultures and management. Plante Moran has been named one of the best places to work by FORTUNE for 14 years in a row, and locally by Crain’s Chicago Business in 2012 as a best place to work and a best place to work for women. Additionally, Inside Public Accounting named Blackman Kallick as a “Best of the Best” firm each of the last five years.