KPMG at top of auditing list

KPMG is now the only UK firm which audits more than 400 listed clients, according to new figures.

Statistics compiled by Hemscott covering the third quarter of 2007 reveal that KPMG added 22 new clients during that period to take its total to 416.

Meanwhile, PricewaterhouseCoopers gained 13 clients in the third quarter to take second place in the rankings, with 391 listed clients. However, the company leads all others regarding clients which are listed on the FTSE 100.

In the AIM market, Grant Thornton's merger with Robson Rhodes brought it 43 new clients and raised its total to 213, consolidating its position as the top junior market auditor.

Earlier this year, some experts in the sector were predicting that the merger could herald a trend.

"I wouldn’t be surprised to see consolidation in the mid-tier", BDO chief Jeremy Newman told Accountancy Age at the time.