Examining Available Sale Options and Steps to Maximize the Financial Outcome (Part II of II) Effective exit planning is essential for business owners to maximize financial outcomes when selling or transferring their business. This second part of the comprehensive guide explores the strategic options available, the timing required for preparation, and key value drivers to enhance sale success. Read Part I he ...

What Might an Investigation Look Like The First Brands Chapter 11 filing, the questions raised regarding its use of off-balance sheet financing and its new leadership, is setting the stage for an investigation. In this article, the author shares what may ensue at this early stage of the controversy. Introduction Automotive News[1] reported that, on October 13, 2025, First Brands reported its founder, Patric ...

Examining Available Sale Options and Steps to Maximize the Financial Outcome (Part I of II) Effective exit planning is essential for business owners to maximize financial outcomes when selling or transferring their business. This two-part comprehensive guide explores the strategic options available, the timing required for preparation, and key value drivers to enhance sale success. Effective exit planning i ...

Don’t Say That! What is protected communications in one jurisdiction might be discoverable in another. Yet, many expert witnesses draft e-mails as if their words will never see the light of a courtroom projector. The author shares what she has experienced and makes suggestions. Words live forever, especially when they are typed into e-mails during litigation. As an expert witness, your casual Monday morning ...

How Exactly Did $2.3 Billion Vanish? First Brands Group Holdings has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy, capping weeks of turmoil sparked by creditor concern over the auto-supplier’s use of opaque off-balance sheet financing. The U.S. Department of Justice has launched an investigation into the circumstances leading to this company’s collapse. In late September 2025, U.S. auto parts maker, First Brands, filed ...

Updated Valuation Guidance for 7(a) and 504 Loans (Effective June 1, 2025) SOP 50 10 8 provides specific thresholds and scenarios dictating what type of valuation is required and by whom for 7(a) and 504 loans. Valuation professionals including CVAs, CPAs, and other appraisers should understand these guidelines to ensure their appraisals meet SBA standards. All requirements cited here are drawn directly fro ...

Increases Payments Earlier this year, the CMS released its proposed MPFS for 2026. In addition to the agency’s suggested increase to physician payments, the proposed rule also announces a new payment model and more telehealth flexibilities. This article summarizes the proposed fee schedule changes. On July 14, 2025, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) released its proposed Medicare Physicia ...

Thoughts on Thought Leadership When an attorney, banker, CPA, or wealth planner refers business to us, it can feel like we should refer business back to them. But we can’t refer to everyone because we likely don’t have that many referrals to make. The author provides insight on what it takes to become the recommended expert vis-à-vis a referral. When an attorney, banker, CPA, or wealth planner refers busine ...

And How to Maximize It What truly influences value is the quality, consistency, and transferability of the earnings. Buyers are not solely purchasing a history of profitability; buyers are seeking future income that is sustainable and independent of the current owner’s direct involvement. Most business owners do not know what their business is worth. In many cases, they have never measured it in a formal or ...

Pre-Sale Accounting Best Practices for Buyers and Sellers In today’s market, it is especially important that prospective acquirers of emerging companies understand exactly what they are purchasing and how to allocate the purchase price among the assets acquired and liabilities assumed. This article discusses the importance of quality of earnings and impact on the acquisition price. As buyers tighten their p ...