PracticeGuru Learnings · Course
Merge, Network or Stay Solo
Thinking of joining hands with another firm, joining a network, or staying on your own? Compare the options, check the fit, and follow ICAI's steps so you keep your clients, staff and seniority.
New courseFirst lesson freeCertificate
Rules and sources last checked: 19 Oct 2026 · next check due April 2027. Checked against ICAI Merger and Demerger Guidelines 2024 (with the Feb 2025 corrigendum), the merger FAQs (Jul 2025), Networking Guidelines 2021, Aggregation of LLPs Guidelines 2024 and the Code of Ethics 2026. Each lesson lists its official sources; rules can change, so check the latest before you act.
Update log
- 19 Oct 2026: Course published. The Global Networking Guidelines 2025 are kept in abeyance (ICAI announcement of 15 Jul 2026).
- 13 short lessons
- about 3 hours in all
- Firm combination kit: fit checklist, due diligence list, deed points and 100-day plan (Word)
- for proprietors and partners
7-day money-back guarantee: 100% refund if you ask within 7 days of paying.
What you will do
Each lesson ends with a "Do this today" box. By the last lesson you know which option suits your firm, and you have a fit checklist, a due diligence list, deed points and a 100-day plan.
- Free Merge, network or stay solo?Why firms combine now, the five options at a glance, and a 10-question self-check. · 12 min
- 01 Why do you want to grow?Your reasons, your red lines and the numbers to bring to the table. · 12 min 🔒 Paid
- 02 The five options comparedSolo, network or alliance, a new partner, a merger, LLP aggregation: what each changes. · 15 min 🔒 Paid
- 03 Finding the right firm or partnerWhere to look within the rules, and the partner-fit questions to ask. · 13 min 🔒 Paid
- 04 Due diligence before you commitCheck clients, quality, people, debts, disciplinary matters and conflicts before you sign. · 15 min 🔒 Paid
- 05 What is a practice worth?Goodwill in plain words, the common methods, and when to get professional help. · 14 min 🔒 Paid
- 06 The partnership deed: questions to settleProfit sharing, capital, drawings, decisions, exit and disputes, as questions for your lawyer. · 15 min 🔒 Paid
- 07 ICAI steps for a merger, and keeping seniorityMDG 1 within 30 days, name freezing, seniority and the demerger window. · 15 min 🔒 Paid
- 08 Networks, alliances and LLP aggregationKeep your firm, share a name and resources: what ICAI allows. · 15 min 🔒 Paid
- 09 Telling clients, staff and articlesWho hears first, what you may announce, and getting client consent. · 14 min 🔒 Paid
- 10 The first 100 daysOne work register, one quality system, one brand, without missing a deadline. · 14 min 🔒 Paid
- 11 Succession for a senior partnerPlan the handover years ahead, and what ICAI allows for retirement and death. · 13 min 🔒 Paid
- 12 When to walk away, and your decision planTwelve red flags, the cost of a bad deal, and a 90-day decision plan. · 13 min 🔒 Paid
Who made this
The PracticeGuru team, who run OneClick Branding for thousands of tax professionals. Every ICAI rule is cited to ICAI's own guidelines and FAQs, with "check the current" wherever a detail may have changed.