Six partners from RSM Tenon in Nottingham are on gardening leave pending their move to competitor firm Mazars.
The RSM Tenon partners, who have given notice, are expected to start work in Mazars' Nottingham office in the autumn with full partnership status. Specific areas of responsibility will be sorted out over the next six months.
They include Alistair Wesson, the former managing partner of RSM Tenon in Nottingham and regional practice director for the firm, Leicester office managing partner Chris Darlington, Julian Clough, Steve English, David Hoose and Bob Johnson. The firm is also in ongoing contract discussions with a number of other individuals.
The Mazars Nottingham office currently has 30 staff.
UK senior partner Phil Verity said: 'We're delighted to welcome such a strong set of talented individuals into the firm to help expand our business in the East Midlands.
'Mazars in the UK has experienced strong growth in recent years, despite the difficult economic background. We have ambitious plans to further build on this success and bringing in these individuals is very much in line with our growth strategy for the next four years.'
Mazars is also planning to open a new office in Leicester to service clients. Its current East Midlands operation serves Nottinghamshire, Derbyshire, Leicestershire and Lincolnshire.
Mazars central region managing partner David Chapman said: 'We're keen to grow our presence in the region and the arrival of the new individuals has undoubtedly given us a significant boost. This move is a major step along the road in providing real choice for businesses in the East Midlands market place.'
Mazars was ranked 11th in the Accountancy Top 60 firms 2013 survey with annual fee income of £115.3m.
RSM Tenon told Accountancy in a statement that 'a small number of partners' partners in its East Midlands offices had resigned.
'These partners have immediately been placed on gardening leave for a minimum of six months. RSM Tenon remains fully committed to its business and people in Leicester and Nottingham. The company employs 650 people across the Midlands region, including over 75 Partners and Directors, who are focused on serving our clients and meeting their needs.
'The Midlands is, and will continue to be, an important part of our business. We will continue to invest in the development of our partners and people across the region, as well as recruiting the bright, talented and motivated professionals who flourish at RSM Tenon,' the firm said.Get the latest news in your inbox. Sign up to receive the Accountancy Live e-newsletter, HERE