Survey Results From Firms Offering Investment Product Through Alliance Partners.

According to a recent survey commissioned by CIBC Oppenheimer and conducted by Yankelovich Partners, 16% of partners at 100 mid-sized accounting firms say they have already formed alliances to provide investment services or insurance products. The responses of those surveyed firms with alliances showed the following.

Profitability of alliance

* 44% said they are "very profitable."

* 19% said they are "not very profitable."

* 25% said it is "too early to tell."

Products and services provided through alliance

* 81% provide mutual funds.

* 69% provide fee-based investment consulting.

* 63% provide stocks or bonds.

* 50% provide variable insurance products.

* 50%...