Late last year Congress passed the final version of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017. Although the plan does not alter ESOP legislation, there are some indirect effects on ESOPs.  Some of the changes will impact the valuations of ESOP-owned companies.

Among the fastest ways for a company to grow entity value is through accretive acquisitions. With a well-executed acquisition strategy, companies can realize significant value in the first year, which often accelerates in the years that follow.

Lennar Corporation recently announced the acquisition of CalAtlantic Group.  Together, the companies form the largest home builder in the U.S.

Bloomberg reports private equity firms currently have more than $950 billion of capital waiting to be invested in the marketplace.

In this favorable market, how do sellers contemplating an exit from their business decide whether to pursue an M&A sell-side transaction or the formation of an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP)?  They don’t.  Instead, they run a dual track process which provides knowledge of possible outcomes simultaneously.  This allows the seller to make the best choice for his/her situation based on actual offers and company specific options.

The cybersecurity industry is experiencing strategic M&A activity as major security breaches are on the rise.  With renowned, trusted firms such as Equifax and Deloitte among the victims, many companies are increasing their investments in cybersecurity.

[vc_column_text line_height="0"]Successful transactions require important decisions about rebranding— if, when and how to transition an acquired brand. Unfortunately, these brand strategy considerations are often overlooked or only considered after the acquisition. This is partly because there is a lack of relevant historical data for analysis.

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One of the key sections of any purchase agreement is the Reps and Warranties section. The term “Reps and Warranties” refers to all the assertions that the buyer and/or seller make in a purchase and sale agreement. Both sides take a leap of faith in the Reps and Warranties section, assuming that any claims or assertions made by the counterparty are accurate and true. Think of the Reps and Warranties section as a safety net for both sides. It ensures all that is being sold is being bought and all that is being bought is being sold.