Two California-based consulting firms, Shapiro Partners and Samaha Associates, which both serve credit unions in a variety of disciplines ranging from business development and e-commerce strategy to technology management and advocacy, have merged.

In a statement, Shapiro, named after one of the industry's California founding fathers, Leo H. Shapiro, and which has been operating nationally since 2009, said its consolidation with Samaha of Chino Hills will allow the two firms to reach a wider clientele with a broadened menu of products and services.

“The joining of forces now enables credit unions to enjoy even more services with trusted partners and true credit union advocates they have known for years,” said Adam Denbo, senior managing consultant for Shapiro, which is based in Brea, a Los Angeles suburb.

The Shapiro-Samaha consolidation represents “an exciting and progressive partnership born from our significant growth,” said Samaha's managing consultant, Sabeh Samaha. The firm, founded in 1997, has specialized in providing both CUs and banks advice in such areas as product analysis, social media strategy and advocacy.

“Every person on this new team has decades of experience in this industry and plays a critical role in our continued success,” said Samah, noting also, “While we are a growing firm, we all grew up professionally in this industry and take a family approach to all our clients.”

The Samaha firm said it has been delivering consulting services, including analysis, planning, implementation and documentation in both technology and e-business.

Shapiro noted last fall as part of a national expansion that it was increasing its number of staff consultants “by 100% to include former CEOs, CFOs and other executives” with long experience for onsite applications. The new professionals could assist CU clients with reasonably priced services and support, said Shapiro.

The Shapiro structure, said Denbo, a former president/CEO of California Agribusiness CU, has allowed veteran CU executives to “continue working in the industry, allowing other credit unions to benefit from their experience.”