PCE Investment Bankers | M&A | ESOP | Valuation

The valuation gap is one of the biggest challenges in M&A. Buyers aim to minimize risk, while sellers want to maximize price. But deals don’t have to fall apart over price differences. Aligning valuation methods, structuring earnouts, or leveraging rollover equity can help bridge the gap and move deals forward. Understanding what drives valuation differences is key to reaching a successful agreement. ?? Read how to close the valuation gap: https://hubs.ly/Q03bNnnv0 #MergersAndAcquisitions #InvestmentBanking #ExitPlanning #BusinessValuation #DealMaking

Selling your business is one of the biggest financial decisions you'll make. While traditional M&A offers a clear path, an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) provides unique advantages: liquidity, tax benefits, and business continuity. An ESOP allows you to monetize your business while rewarding employees with ownership, ensuring long-term stability. But is it the right path for you? Before making a decision, an ESOP feasibility study is key to evaluating if this structure aligns with your financial and legacy goals. ?? Explore how an ESOP can maximize your exit strategy: https://hubs.ly/Q03bNpKH0 #MergersAndAcquisitions #ESOP #ExitPlanning #InvestmentBanking #BusinessOwners

Your ESOP is thriving at 10 years. Then, retirements stack up. Suddenly, cash flow is tight. This can happen when companies underestimate repurchase obligations. Fortunately, smart planning helps to prevent financial strain. Learn more in our blog: https://hubs.ly/Q03bVHgC0 #ESOPs #BusinessStrategy #MergersAndAcquisitions #CompanyGrowth #Finance

So you’ve just granted stock options to your employees. Exciting, right? But months later, your CFO calls with bad news—because you didn’t get a 409A valuation, your team might face unexpected tax penalties. Or maybe you just acquired a business and are celebrating the deal—until your accountant reminds you that ASC 805 requires a purchase price allocation within a year. Or perhaps you’re planning to sell your business, only to find out it’s worth far less than expected. Business valuations are often overlooked—but in these situations, they’re not optional. Learn more about this topic in our blog: https://hubs.ly/Q036CmDn0 #BusinessValuation #Finance #PrivateEquity #ESOP #MergersAndAcquisitions

Last week, PCE brought together fellow dealmakers in NYC for an evening of great conversations and valuable connections. A big thank you to everyone who joined us—we appreciate the opportunity to connect and collaborate. Looking forward to the next one! #InvestmentBanking #MergersAndAcquisitions #Networking #Dealmakers #NYC

The benefits of employee ownership are clear. But as your ESOP matures, so do its challenges—repurchase obligations being a big one. Without a strategy, this liability can strain your company. The good news? You have options. Check out the latest video from Ken Sommers to learn more: https://hubs.ly/Q03bTDwP0 Is your ESOP prepared for long-term sustainability? Let us know if we can help answer any questions. #ESOP #ExitPlanning #EmployeeOwnership #CorporateFinance #BusinessStrategy

When it comes to M&A transactions, success isn’t just about the price—it’s about preparation and risk management. Fairness opinions, purchase price allocations (PPAs), and equity compensation valuations are essential tools to help you meet fiduciary responsibilities, protect against litigation risks, and ensure regulatory compliance. If there's an area of M&A risk management you’d like more clarity on, let us know in the comments or explore our blog: https://hubs.ly/Q035sVX80 #InvestmentBanking #BusinessValuation #ExitPlanning #MiddleMarket #FairnessOpinions

Carried interest is a powerful tool for rewarding investment managers, but improper valuation can lead to major tax liabilities and IRS scrutiny. Whether you’re structuring a hedge fund, private equity firm, or real estate investment vehicle, understanding waterfall allocations, vertical slice rules, and valuation methodologies is essential for protecting your assets. Some key considerations: ?? Are you properly structuring waterfall allocations to avoid compliance risks? ?? Should you use DCF or Monte Carlo simulations for your valuation? ?? How can derivative agreements be leveraged for estate planning? A misstep in any of these areas can be costly. Learn more here: https://hubs.ly/Q037Db7H0 #PrivateEquity #CarriedInterest #InvestmentBanking #Valuation #TaxPlanning

Thinking of selling your business? Here’s how to prepare for 2025’s tax changes. With major TCJA provisions expiring, business owners need a strategy to maximize their after-tax returns. Here are five key steps to take now: 1?? Model different scenarios – Understand how higher rates and lost deductions may impact your proceeds. 2?? Assess timing – Closing before December 31, 2025, could lock in current rates. 3?? Review deal structures – An asset sale versus a stock sale could have very different tax outcomes. 4?? Plan for financing constraints – Stricter interest deduction limits could affect leveraged deals. 5?? Stay informed – Congress often finalizes tax changes late in the year, so keep an eye on legislative updates. Want to make the most of your exit? Read more here: https://hubs.ly/Q037C4lY0 #ExitStrategy #BusinessOwners #TaxPlanning #MergersAndAcquisitions #InvestmentBanking

When business owners explore exit strategies, many assume selling to a third party is the only viable path. But Employee Stock Ownership Plans (ESOPs) offer a compelling alternative—one that allows you to unlock liquidity and reward the employees who helped build your success. With over 6,300 ESOPs in the U.S. and growing, more business owners are discovering: ?? A tax-advantaged way to transition ownership ?? A strategy to preserve company culture and continuity ?? A flexible approach to selling all or part of the business Curious about how an ESOP might fit your goals? Find out more in our blog: https://hubs.ly/Q037CNKp0 #ESOP #ExitPlanning #EmployeeOwnership #MergersAndAcquisitions #BusinessLegacy