When internal disputes arise, what tactics might affect the value of your business interest?

The unfolding dispute between Papa John’s founder and the company’s board highlights the use of poison pills to prevent a hostile takeover. While additional rounds of funding can be good for a business, new investment can sometimes be a tool to dilute the value of your stake in a business.

If you have questions about the changing value of a business interest, the valuation experts at Asterion may be able to help.

When the numbers don’t add up, where should you look for fraud?

Fraud can come from anywhere. The source is often in house. However, Ford’s recently filed suit against one of its’ dealers, alleging millions in falsified loans, illustrates that the fraud may occur in a related entity, while trial testimony in the Manafort trial reveals that some alleged efforts involve multiple outside parties.

If you suspect a fraud has occurred, consider contacting Asterion. Our certified forensic experts may be able to help.

Trends We’re Watching

Is the housing market slowing down?

On the Lighter Side: Honey Badgers and Food Fights

Even if honey badger doesn’t care, the creator of the viral video cares very much about protecting his trademark.

Food fights are serious. In Texas, folks are litigating the definition of pickles; the origin of the recipe for Key Lime Pie is in dispute; and a federal investigation is underway to determine whether imported crab is being mixed with Chesapeake blue crab meat.

What’s Puzzling Us: Why Can’t Anyone Leave Well Enough Alone?

For some reason, Paul McCartney decided to take another walk across Abbey Road—this time in what appears to be sandals and socks instead of bare feet. Even more puzzling is a statistician’s need to create an algorithm to sort out whether Lennon or McCartney wrote In My Life and other Beatles songs.

The Thread Recommends: Taking off Wednesdays

A mid-week break is best. (When some of us were young, the barbers we went to with our dads knew this.) Take the day off before you start a vacation, too. You may get more enjoyment from your time off.
Spotlight on Valuation

Asterion, Inc. (“Asterion”) has extensive experience in the provision of valuation consulting services

August 7, 2018