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Houlihan Capital

Fairness Opinions in de-SPAC Transactions

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The Role of a Fairness Opinion in a de-SPAC Transaction  When a SPAC enters into a business combination agreement, its board is evaluating a transaction that will define the future of the vehicle. The decision is often made within a compressed timeframe, subject to a finite investment window, sponsor economics, and public shareholder rights.  In this setting, a fairness opinion […]

Preparing for a Sale: What to Expect from a Sell-Side Advisor

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Framing the Decision to Sell  For many founder-owned businesses, a sale represents one of the most significant financial and strategic decisions an owner will make. It is often the culmination of years, if not decades, of effort, risk-taking, and reinvestment.  Despite its importance, most founders go through the process only once. Unlike operating decisions made daily within […]

Cannabis Rescheduling Is Here. What It Means for Business Valuations.

Banner image for Houlihan Capital about cannabis rescheduling and business valuations, featuring cannabis leaves and a dark overlay with the headline text.

On April 22, 2026, the Acting Attorney General issued a final order reclassifying FDA-approved marijuana products and state-licensed medical marijuana from Schedule I to Schedule III under the Controlled Substances Act. A formal DEA hearing on broader cannabis rescheduling is scheduled to begin June 29, 2026.  This is the most consequential shift in federal marijuana […]

409A Valuations: Strategic Considerations for Private Company Equity Compensation

Houlihan Capital logo with the title 409A valuations: strategic considerations for private company equity compensation over a blurred financial background.

The Growing Importance of Equity Compensation Discipline  For many private companies, 409A valuations are treated as a compliance requirement, completed to support option grants and satisfy regulatory expectations. However, when the process is approached as a periodic checkbox rather than a strategic input, it can introduce avoidable friction across the organization.  Misalignment between grant timing […]