Fulcrum’s personnel have the experience to effectively serve as a neutral to help parties resolve controversies. When the underlying dispute is a financial or economic factual matter (vs. an interpretation of the law), an appraiser or a CPA is the best person to provide reliable information to help the parties reach a resolution. Examples of matters where this is applicable include:
- In a family law context, the valuation of a closely held business that will be retained by only one spouse
- In a shareholder buyout, determining the price to be paid
- In a business dissolution matter performed under state law, the appraisal of the company using the statutory standard (e.g., California Corporations Code §2000);
- In a purchase price adjustment situation, service as the arbitrator required under the purchase agreement
- When a corporate investigation is needed under court supervision, serve as an examiner or special master to obtain information the Court desires
Why we are better
- Many neutral valuation assignments are done to save money, and sometimes to maintain continuing relationships. Some firms, (particularly larger firms) do not have the price and relationship sensitivity that we are able to employ.
- We have the experience to obtain the respect of the parties and/or the Court.
- We understand (and avoid) potential pitfalls. A failure to set up the project correctly and conduct communications openly can quickly derail the process.
- To have the necessary credibility, valuations should be performed using the applicable valuation standards.
- Most appraisers and accountants, even if otherwise skilled, do not work well with attorneys who are aggressively advocating their client’s position. In contrast, we work with lawyers daily, which allows us to keep the process controlled and on track.