Ascend LLP joins Meyers Norris Penny LLP

For Immediate Release

Calgary, AB – Dec.4, 2007 – Signs of Calgary’s growth are everywhere, from more than $24 billion worth of capital projects to nearly half of all new jobs in the province being created in Calgary. That impressive growth has led to another impact: the merger of Ascend LLP with Meyers Norris Penny LLP, the only Top Ten national accountancy and advisory firm based in Western Canada. Beginning Jan. 1, 2008, Ascend will be operating under the MNP name. Ascend has locations in Airdrie and Calgary.

“Our economy is incredibly strong, with many of our clients expanding their businesses. Merging with MNP will enable us to offer corporate finance, management consulting, and other specialized services that can help them maintain healthy growth,” says Steve Moore, CA, a partner with Ascend LLP.

Steve adds the two firms have a remarkably similar culture and approach to doing business. “We were impressed with MNP from the start. Their professionalism and commitment to clients and staff have made us confident this will be a smooth transition.”

According to MNP Chief Executive Officer Daryl Ritchie, FCA, the merger is a key component in MNP’s strategic plan to expand its market presence in the fast-growing region.

“The Ascend team has great relationships with their clients, they provide customized solutions, and they have an established and growing client base in Calgary and the surrounding area.”

As a result of the merger, MNP will have three locations in the Calgary area: MNP’s downtown Calgary
office, located at MNP Place, 300, 622-5th Avenue, as well as two additional offices:

Calgary North
210, 5010 4 Street NE
P: 403.275.8457

Airdrie
129 Bowers Street
P: 403.912.6235

MNP has more than 75 full- and part-time locations across the West and 2,000 team members.

About MNP

Meyers Norris Penny provides clear, straightforward business advice combined with a local perspective on a full range of assurance, taxation, and business advisory issues. For more information, visit www.mnp.ca.