PUERTO RICAN CPA FIRM, FPV & CO., JOINS RUSSELL BEDFORD INTERNATIONAL

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
(Free-Press-Release.com) March 4, 2004 -- Worldwide accounting group Russell Bedford International has expanded its coverage in the Americas by the addition of FPV & Co., PSC as its first member firm in the Caribbean. With offices in San Juan, Puerto Rico, FPV & Co. now represents Russell Bedford in Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

The new member, a firm of certified public accountants, commenced operations in 1994 with the merger of the professional practices of Benny Fern�ndez, CPA and Rafael Perez-Villarini, CPA, CVA, both of whom have management backgrounds in 'Big 4' firms. Rafael is now the president and partner-in-charge, and Benny, now retired, is a consultant to the firm. Marcos A. Claudio, CPA, a junior partner, joined the firm in 2001 and has vast experience in management, accounting and auditing.



FPV offers comprehensive services including: accounting and audit; tax compliance and tax planning; management advice; litigation support; business consulting and business valuation. Its main client sectors include: construction, real estate developers, auto dealerships, insurance agencies, government bodies and non-profit organizations.

CPAs within the firm are members of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, and the firm is an active member of the Quality Control Program of the AICPA which requires a Peer Review every three years.



"As a professional practice, we were looking for the accessibility of technical resources and broad knowledge-base that the members of an international organization like Russell Bedford can provide, no matter where those resources are located," commented Rafael P�rez-Villarini. He also emphasized the quality service that FPV can provide, in Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, to other Russell Bedford members' clients that are operating in that territory. "This is a win-win situation for everybody," he added.

For further information, contact Rafael P�rez-Villarini at FPV & Co. on +1 787 764 5049 or Kempton Bedell-Harper at Russell Bedford International on +44 20 7410 0339. Alternatively, visit the website at www.russellbedford.com.



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Note to Editors



Russell Bedford International was established in 1983 by a group of medium-sized independent accountancy firms aiming to counter the market dominance of the major multi-national accountancy groups.



Russell Bedford is now a closely-connected global network of independent accountancy and business consultancy firms in key locations around the world, and is represented in some 50 countries in Europe, the Americas, the Middle East, Africa and Asia-Pacific.

All Russell Bedford affiliates are well-established firms offering international business advice and services to local and multinational clients. Most provide a full range of services comprising accounting, auditing, tax advice, general business guidance and financial consulting. In addition, many have special expertise in particular fields, such as international taxation or information technology.

fpv co.     puerto rican cpa firm