Fairness Opinions in de-SPAC Transactions
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
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.
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
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 […]
2025 IPEV Valuation Guidelines: Key Principles and Practical Implications for Fund Managers
