The appointment enables the Lisbon accounting firm to extend its client service offering to include provision of a wide range of sophisticated, cross-border professional advisory services through MSI Legal & Accounting Network Worldwide's carefully selected, highly skilled, independent professional firms located in 100 countries.

Joining international accounting network MSI gives our clients the geographic reach offered by international accounting firms, but with the added advantage of being served by independent, medium sized firms whose partners know each other personally, have strong roots in their jurisdictions and in-depth experience of how business is done locally.

The move allows the six-partner firm to avoid the need for merger or the opening of additional offices in order to satisfy growing client demand for international services, and to retain its much-valued independence, and the equity in the CopiRisco name.

Luis Mesquita, the firm's managing partner, says: "Joining international accounting network MSI gives our clients the geographic reach offered by international accounting firms, but with the added advantage of being served by independent, medium sized firms whose partners know each other personally, have strong roots in their jurisdictions and in-depth experience of how business is done locally."

"MSI membership enables CopiRisco to exchange experiences and know-how with accounting firms all over the world, to market itself to clients with international operations, and to attract new business from other parts of the country and the world."

Founded in 1991 and with a team of over 20 consultants, CopiRisco provides the full range of accounting, reporting, and tax services, and a very strong management consultancy practice focused on advising on merger and acquisition strategies, EU fund and grant applications, and performance improvement systems such as Lean Six Sigma.

James Mendelssohn, MSI's Chief Executive, comments: "The admission of CopiRisco in Portugal is very much in line with MSI's strategy of strengthening the association by only appointing firms that can demonstrate a dynamic and entrepreneurial approach to serving their clients."

"SME businesses needing professional advisory services in Portugal can be confident of receiving high quality accounting and legal services through MSI's Portuguese member firms CopiRisco and Abreu Advogados."

"Professional firms are facing similar challenges around the world. We have seen a huge increase in the number of firms applying for membership in recent months and we encourage applications from independent accounting and law firms in cities where MSI does not currently have member firms."