Transaction Advisory
Why More Business Owners Are Turning to ESOPs for Succession
More business owners are turning to employee stock ownership plans (ESOPs) to ensure continuity, reward long-serving team members, and transition out with intention. Unlike sales to outside buyers, ESOPs keep ownership within the company, preserving institutional knowledge and culture. Beyond continuity, ESOPs provide a pathway to liquidity that aligns with both financial goals and legacy. […]
Inventory Costing: One of Cannabis’s Most Misunderstood and Financially Critical Business Processes
Cannabis Business Times (August 06, 2025)- Inventory costing remains one of the most misunderstood and financially consequential areas in the cannabis industry. For cultivators, the process begins in the soil. Costs start accumulating long before harvest, yet many fail to track expenses like nutrients, labor, and overhead as plants move through the stages of clone, […]
Buy-Sell Agreements, Life Insurance & Business Valuation: What Owners Must Know
Business owners are often reluctant to plan for the eventual transition of ownership, even though the need for succession is inevitable, whether it comes through retirement or unforeseen circumstances. Too often, the process is delayed because it feels premature, uncomfortable, or overwhelming. Some believe that having life insurance or a signed agreement in place is […]
Tax and Accounting Implications in Buy-Side Business Transactions
Understanding the myriad tax implications of a buy-side business acquisition is essential to achieving a successful outcome. The way you structure the deal and approach due diligence can influence your financial results and help to avoid costly pitfalls. With the right strategies, you can identify opportunities to maximize tax benefits and streamline the integration process. […]
M&A Activity Set to Increase in 2025 Amid Economic and Demographic Shifts
After a period of slowed deal making driven by high interest rates and uncertainty, the M&A landscape could look very different in 2025. As the economy adjusts to changing tax policies, evolving market conditions, and demographic shifts, business owners may find new opportunities to buy or sell. For many, 2025 could be the year to […]
The Hidden Costs of Selling a Business Without a Plan
In this article: Selling a business is one of the most significant financial decisions owners face, with implications that reach far beyond the transaction itself. A lack of strategic planning could mean leaving value on the table or overlooking critical opportunities. To ensure the sale supports your financial and personal goals, careful preparation and guidance […]
Richard Weiner Invited to Speak at AM&AA Winter Conference
AAFCPAs’ Richard Weiner, CPA, MST, CM&AA, Tax Partner and a leader of AAFCPAs’ Business Transaction Advisory practice has been invited to speak at the 2025 AM&AA (Alliance of Merger & Acquisition Advisors) Winter Conference being held January 21-22, 2025, in Scottsdale, Arizona. This annual event brings together top executives from investment banks, private equity firms, […]
How Life Sciences May Be Affected by New Administration Tax Policies
In this article: For clients in the life sciences, tax policies often hinge on a shifting political landscape. This means, each new administration may signal changes that could reshape strategies in the coming year and beyond. Understanding emerging policies will be key in 2025 for areas like M&A timing, R&D cost management, and structuring for […]
Maximize Your Business Sale Value: Why Accurate Financials Matter
In this article: Businesses considering a sale, merger, Unsolicited Friendly Offer (UFO), or even a partial sale in exchange for a significant outside investment typically hear one piece of advice: Ensure your books are in order. Clean, accurate, and up-to-date financial records are essential for transaction success, particularly as prospective buyers or investors demand greater […]