Europe's biggest international accountancy and consultancy firms.

Chartered accountants Neville Russell -- known locally as Douglas Hillen Chartered Accountants -- yesterday announced the merger which would see it become legally known as Mazars Neville Russell.

And belonging to the UK's thirteenth largest firm of chartered accountants in terms of fee income, should mean local clients will now be able to access a much wider range of specialist services.

Until the merger with the Mazars group, Douglas Hillen ran Bermuda's satellite office of UK-based accountancy firm Neville Russell which he founded in 1985.

Together with associate Trevor Boyce, Mr. Hillen has developed the business and currently employs 24 people serving both local and overseas clients.

From their initial focus on smaller bookkeeping related services they now service many international businesses particularly in the area of insurance and collective investment schemes.

Mazars Neville Russell belongs to the Mazars group which operates the sixth largest firms in France and the seventh largest in Italy and Spain.

Yesterday, Mr. Hillen said his accounting firm already had excellent contacts within the Bermuda community.

"And we are also a viable option to the Big Five firms on the insurance and investment industries' introduction lists. Being part of a major international group like Mazars will provide even greater opportunities for us to increase our client base and in turn provide them with extended professional services and geographical reach.

"Furthermore, the merger has made us unique amongst the medium sized accountancy firms in offering clients access to a seamless service across Europe. We believe this sets us apart from the local competition.''