Rothstein Kass Named the Top Accounting Services Provider to Large Hedge Funds in Annual Ranking by Institutional Investor Magazine

NEW YORK, Nov. 9 /PRNewswire/ -- National CPA and business advisory services firm Rothstein Kass (www.rkco.com) was rated the top accounting service provider to hedge funds with $1 billion or more in assets under management, in the latest ranking of service providers to the industry released by Institutional Investor Magazine. Formerly known as the Alpha Awards, the "2009 Top Hedge Fund Service Provider" rankings are based on voting by hedge fund firms, who were asked to rate the quality of service they have received during the proceeding 12-month period, ending on March 31, 2009. Service quality was delineated by specific attributes, with Rothstein Kass receiving the highest scores in the "client service" and "tax" aspects of service from large hedge fund respondents. More than 650 hedge fund firms with assets in excess of $1.1 trillion participated in the 2009 survey.

"The ability to provide superior, sophisticated and consistent service to the alternative investment community has derived from our commitment to being a great place to build a career. By promoting a 'one-firm, one-floor" culture, we have been able to attract and retain highly motivated and talented professionals that provide the foundation for collaboration, customization and account continuity," said Howard Altman, Co-Managing Principal and Head of the Financial Services Group at Rothstein Kass. "Our consistently strong performance in the prestigious Institutional Investor Magazine service provider rankings is particularly gratifying because results are based on direct interactions with industry innovators, leaders and luminaries, including Rothstein Kass clients."

In addition to its standing as the top accounting firm to large hedge funds, Rothstein Kass also rated as a preferred provider to smaller hedge funds. The firm ranked second overall in the "Small Firms' Favorite" category while receiving the highest marks of any firm in the "audit," "hedge fund expertise" and "regulatory and compliance" aspects of service.

"Establishing an environment where all team members are encouraged to learn and develop throughout their careers allows Rothstein Kass to act as trusted advisors to our clients - anticipating challenges on the horizon rather than reacting to market pressures," said Mr. Altman. "Even during periods of economic uncertainty, the strength of the Rothstein Kass brand has allowed us to make strategic additions that enhance the scope and quality of service we provide, while facilitating expansion in interrelated practice areas."

About Rothstein Kass:
Rothstein Kass is a premier public accounting and advisory services firm that has served privately held and publicly traded companies, individuals, and families for 50 years. Rothstein Kass is consistently ranked as a top CPA firm to the alternative investment industry in independent, third-party evaluations. The Rothstein Kass Financial Services Group provides services to many high-profile and respected clients including hedge funds, fund of funds, broker-dealers and registered investment advisors. Our Commercial Services Group provides organizations, including private equity and venture capital funds, as well as individuals and families, with essential and complementary professional services.

Rothstein Kass Business Advisory Services offers an array of enterprise solutions to companies at all stages in their development across industry sectors. Categories of service include but are not limited to: finance effectiveness; governance, risk and compliance; transaction services and deal integration; strategy and product innovation; operations and productivity improvement; technology enablement; and litigation and forensic accounting services.