Grant Thornton grows global presence with Belize addition

Grant Thornton, one of the world's leading organisations of independent assurance, tax and advisory firms announced a new member firm in Belize adding strength to an already solid presence across the Americas.  The new member firm formerly known as Castillo Sanchez & Burrell, LLP, was an independent correspondent firm to Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu, is one of the leading audit firms in the country and went to market as Grant Thornton effective 31 October.

The firm is led by two partners, Claude Burrell and Giacomo Sanchez, and comprises 22 professionals, six of whom are CPA’s, two CAT’s and three CISA’s.  Also there are six administrative staff. Services are provided via two offices, one located in Belize City and the other in the Corozal Free Zone at the Belize-Mexico border. The firm provides auditing, accounting, outsourcing, consulting and tax planning services to clients from a wide variety of sectors, including insurance, oil and gas, utility and energy and financial services.  Its clientele includes four of the largest credit unions in the country.

Ken Sharp, global leader responsible for the Americas said, “Grant Thornton continues to strengthen our geographical coverage in the Americas.  It is strategically important to have a strong presence in Belize, as well as to enable Grant Thornton to capitalise on the great growth opportunities that this region has to offer. We welcome this high quality firm in joining more than 38,500 Grant Thornton member firm people in over 130 countries, working together to help dynamic organisations unlock their potential for growth.”

Claude Burrell, managing partner, commented, “We are excited to become a member of the Grant Thornton organization. This is a fundamental step in achieving our growth ambitions. We look forward to collaborating in the success of the Grant Thornton brand in the Central American and Caribbean regions.”

The new firm in Belize is part of a number of 2014 Grant Thornton expansions in countries that have included:

Russia, Brazil, Australia, Vietnam, Puerto Rico and Myanmar.

The senior leadership comprises:

Claude Burrell, CPA, CISA – Managing Partner

Giacomo Sanchez, CPA – Senior Partner

Brenda Sheppard, FLMI, CISA – Director

Alba Garcia, CPA - Director

Contact information:

Grant Thornton

40 A Central American Boulevard

Belize City, Belize

T +501 227 3020

Grant Thornton

Corozal Free Zone

Belize – Mexico Border

T +501 423 7022

E info@bz.gt.com

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