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| ESOP Financial Advisory & Appraisal Services |
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The principals of Columbia Financial Advisors are nationally recognized experts in Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) financial advisory and appraisal services. We can act as independent financial advisors to trustees, trust committees, or on behalf of selling shareholders in ESOP transactions. As such, we determine the fair market value of the subject interest and whether the transaction is financially fair. In addition, the firm can help determine whether an ESOP is feasible and appropriate for a company.
Columbia Financial Advisors, Inc. has participated in virtually every kind of ESOP transaction, involving security types such as common stock, super common stock, and convertible preferred stock.
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Columbia Financial Advisors provides quarterly, semi-annual and annual valuations for ESOPs and other qualified plans such as pension and profit sharing accounts. Our principals are frequent speakers, lecturers, writers and teachers on ESOP appraisal and financial advisory issues. We are active members of the ESOP Association and the National Center for Employee Ownership.
Our nationwide base of ESOP clients ranges from small middle-market entities to those with more than $1 billion in sales. |
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| Tax Related Valuation |
| CFAI provides valuations for tax purposes, including gifting, estate tax, recapitalizations, and family limited partnerships. We have successfully defended our appraisals in IRS audits and reviews. Our senior appraisers have testified as expert witnesses in U.S. Tax Court and other courts of law. In addition, we perform work for the IRS. |
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| A fully documented narrative appraisal report performed at the time of the taxable event is the best defense against an IRS challenge. We present our appraisal conclusions in reports that address all the factors listed in Revenue Ruling 59-60. And, the valuation methodology and analysis include tables and schedules to support the appraisal. |
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| Litigation Support and Dispute Resolution |
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As an independent valuation firm, Columbia Financial Advisors has no conflicting interest in the outcome of its findings. Thus, we bring credibility and impartiality to valuations that are in dispute. We are experienced in providing expert analysis for tax issues, ERISA litigation, marital dissolutions, and shareholder/partner disputes. This allows us to work with the legal community with the knowledge of the applicable legal framework and valuation standards that apply to each case.
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We can review reports submitted by other appraisal firms and many times are jointly retained by both parties in a dispute. In litigated situations, our appraisal reports often lead to settlement without costly court trials.
We provide expert testimony throughout the United States in U.S. Tax Court, U.S. District Court, state courts, arbitration hearings, and administrative bodies. Our reports and testimony are accurate and understandable by a jury or trier of fact. |
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| Public Company Services |
| Among our many services on behalf of publicly traded companies, we can determine appropriate discounts for blockage and/or restricted stock and appraisal and financial advisory services for going-private transactions and/or dissenting shareholder matters. We also provide financial advice and render opinions involving qualified benefit plans such as ESOPs and/or opinions to boards of directors. In addition, we provide option and warrant valuations and appraisal for financial reporting purposes. |
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| Fairness Opinions |
| Columbia Financial Advisors brings an independent, impartial and -- most important -- informed perspective to corporate boards or trustees seeking advice and fairness opinions in evaluating a proposed transaction. The importance of having independent, trustworthy outside advice cannot be overstated, especially given today's heightened sensitivity to potential or perceived conflicts of interest between management, directors, trustees, and shareholders. |
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| Transaction Advice |
One of the most important financial decisions a person may make involves the buying and selling of a business.
Columbia Financial Advisors has counseled buyers and sellers of closely held businesses in various industries. We bring an independent and informed opinion to corporate boards, fiduciaries, and individuals for this most import financial decision. We analyze transactions to determine whether a fairness opinion can or should be issued. |
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| Valuations for Financial Reporting |
| Increased efforts to protect investors have given rise to new accounting rules and heightened SEC security. Columbia Financial Advisors can help navigate the complex reporting issues that govern public companies. We work with your audit team to generate conclusive opinions that withstand rigorous third-party review. |
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