Liberty Tax, becoming a parent to franchise organizations, has agreed to buy Sears. Hometown Outlet and the Sear’s business, Buddy’s Home Furnishing Stores. The deal is a cash transaction with a value of about $132.9 million and is expected to close next month.

Bloomberg Tax & Accounting has added analysis, commentary, and practice tools for 40 countries. Coverage expansion includes the release of new Country Guides, which feature an overview of respective tax regimes and focused cross-border analysis.

Shawn Slavin has become president of the Information Technology Alliance. The long-time reseller took over this month from Stan Mork, who becomes chairman of the association for accounting professionals and consultants.