MHM, O'Byrne will consolidate, eye both states.(MHM Business Services Inc., Robert D. O'Byrne & Associates Inc.)(Brief Article)

MHM Business Services Inc. and Robert D. O'Byrne & Associates Inc. are looking to combine their offices in a move that could take the two longtime Kansas City-based operations across the state line into Kansa.

MHM, the accounting firm long known as Mayer Hoffman McCann, and employee benefits consultant O'Byrne & Associates are owned by Century Business Services Inc. Century, or CBIZ, is a leading consolidator of business service companies.

"It would be more efficient for both of us to be in the same space," "said Scott Siabotsky, a vice-president at MHM. "A one-stop shop will let us provide better service."

Performance pressure on MHM and O'Byrne & Associates has swelled as their parent company struggles to integrate a series of rapid-fire acquisitions. CBIZ's operating income fell by more than 25 percent during the quarter that ended June 30 compared with the same period last year.

The company's stock (Nasdaq: CBIZ), which peaked at $25.50 in 1998, …