Russell Bedford appoints joint members in Cali, Colombia

April 2019

Russell Bedford International has announced the appointment of MC Montes S.A.S. and Ascendis S.A. as the global professional services network’s joint members in Cali, Colombia. The appointment completes the national network in Colombia along with Russell Bedford members in Bogotá, Cartagena and Medellín.

Established in 2014, and led by Carolina Montes Lopez, MC Montes focuses on statutory and fiscal auditing, IFRS consulting and specialised financial consultancy services.

From its offices in Cali, the firm serves both public and private corporate clients in a broad range of business sectors.

In existence for more than 30 years, Ascendis is led by Tulio Restrepo Rivera and specialises in consulting and accounting outsourcing for SMEs, together with tax and legal services.

Together, the two firms have three partners, around 30 personnel and more than 70 clients between them. Both firms share premises in one of the most prestigious office buildings in the city centre.

Speaking of the appointment, Russell Bedford CEO Stephen Hamlet said: “I am delighted to welcome MC Montes and Ascendis as joint members in Colombia. Russell Bedford has held a dominant position in Latin America for many years; the addition of this new group, completing our coverage in all four major Colombian cities, is evidence that this position is continuing to grow, while at the same time providing wider access to services and expertise for clients of our members in the region.”

Managing partner of MC Montes, Carolina Montes Lopez, added: “Being able to offer our clients access to comprehensive global services is a key reason for joining an international network. Our membership of Russell Bedford provides us with new motivation for achieving our business development goals. We look forward with anticipation to building relationships with other members around the world in support of our shared goals.”

Tulio Restrepo Rivera, managing partner at Ascendis, added: “Gaining membership of a well-established international network of accountants is a significant moment in our group’s history. It is a move that we hope will enhance our ability to attract new clients while extending our service offering to our existing clients.”