Transaction Services

When evaluating business formation, we work with clients to ensure that all of the pieces are in place. The decisions made during the formation stage will greatly affect the financial potential of the shareholders. The experienced professionals at HLB Gross Collins, P.C. perform the necessary due diligence to properly structure a new entity. This includes:

• Financial information for business plan
• Choice of entity type (legal structure)
• Value initial contribution
• Buy sell agreements
• Accounting policies and the future impact
• Accounting software
• Setting up the correct chart of accounts

Our Transaction Services team helps clients assess alternate financing structures in order to minimize risk. We analyze and advise on covenants for new loans, prepare financial information, and analyze and advise on private equity infusion. Common financing structures include:

• Bank debt
• Straight debt
• Variable rate and payment terms
• Preferred equity for C Corps and Partnerships

There are multiple factors that come into play during the transition phase. Earnings, Risk, and Taxes are at the forefront. Services we provide within each phase are outlined below.

• Assurance (Earnings)
• Quality of Earnings Report
• Review margin profitability
• Analyze earnings estimations
• Analyze cash flow estimations
• Prepare forecasts
• Benchmark industry comparisons
• Assurance (Risk)
• Evaluate accounting policies and conventions
• Evaluate internal controls
• Evaluate finance and admin areas
• Identify related party transactions
• Advise on strategies to improve key metrics that drive the deal value
• Assurance (Risk) (continued)
• Assist evaluation of the risk and upside of deferred consideration
• Evaluate customer and vendor concentrations
• Liaison with due diligence teams
• Tax
• Ownership Transfer - Buy/Sell
• Stock (C Corp or S Corp)
• Partnership Interest (Partnership or LLC)
• Evaluate advantages of asset sale versus stock/interest sale.
• Asset Sale
• Stock Sale/Interest Sale

You have worked hard for many years to build a successful business. Transitioning the business to new ownership can be difficult from an emotional standpoint, so our goal is to make it as smooth as possible from a financial standpoint. Proper planning and evaluation of options is critical in making the transfer of control as seamless as possible. We help assess the benefits of Family Partnerships, ESOPs and other structures for succession. Our experts evaluate the benefits of each option as they relate to your situation in order to minimize income and gift taxes.

HLB Gross Collins, P.C has developed a powerful and unique set of tools that are particularly valuable for Private Equity firms. Our specific knowledge and expertise in this space allows us to assist clients in becoming more effective with portfolio management, equip them with real-time data for critical and timely management decisions, and provide assurance to the reliability of the financial records of the portfolio companies.

HLB Gross Collins, P.C. provides the following services to our clients in the Private Equity arena:

• Audits and reviews of portfolio companies
• Tax planning, consulting, and preparation
• Due diligence
• Valuation services
• Litigation support
• Internal control assessment and SSAE #16 (formerly SAS 70) audits.

As a network member of HLB International, HLB Gross Collins, P.C. has access to knowledge of financial experts in over 130 countries. HLB Gross Collins, P.C. offers clients exceptional service and knowledge in all areas of international tax, accounting and financial reporting needs whether they are doing business locally or across the globe.

Our international expertise includes:

• Expertise in working companies operating in multiple states and countries
• Strong knowledge base and insight regarding the intricacies of tax laws and structure in foreign countries
• International and multi-state tax consulting and compliance services
• Identifying tax planning and savings opportunities for outbound and inbound transactions
• Extensive expertise in understanding foreign exchange currency issues
• Seamless management of tax and accounting needs for clients doing business throughout the world
• Audit and advisory services under International Financial Reporting Standards