Avant® Advisory Group is proud to announce that Founder and President James F. Davidson (CIRA, CTP, CM&AA, CM&AP, CEPA, CPA, CFF, CFE, CGMA, FCPA, CD, CBA) has been featured in the Global Advisory Experts 2026…

For middle-market business owners in Newport Beach, CA, few decisions carry more weight than entering a merger or acquisition. The market is active: M&A sentiment among mid-sized companies is at a five-year high, with over…

Los Angeles, CA middle-market companies face one of the most competitive deal environments in the country. When a transaction is on the table, whether you are buying, selling, or raising capital, the quality of your…

Middle-market M&A activity in Los Angeles, CA is accelerating. Deal volume across the U.S. posted a 6.6% year-over-year increase in Q1 2025, the third consecutive quarter of growth, and Southern California companies are active participants…

For middle-market business owners in Los Angeles, CA, the decision to go to market is only half the battle. The other half — the half that determines your final purchase price — is fought before…

In Los Angeles, CA and across Southern California, mergers and acquisitions in the middle market move fast. Buyers, private equity firms, and family offices face intense competition for quality targets. Speed, however, is exactly where…

James F. Davidson Named Among 2026 Banking and Finance Visionaries James F. Davidson of Avant® Advisory Group has been recognized as one of the 2026 Banking and Finance Visionaries by Business by Los Angeles Times…

Avant® Expertise Strategic Risk Advisory Merger & Acquisition Advisory, Buy & Sell-Side Quality of Earnings Exit & Strategic Planning Advisory Profitability/EBITDA Improvement / Value Enhancement Post-Acquisition Working Capital / Earnout Dispute Resolution Corporate Governance, Interim C-Suite,…

NEWPORT BEACH, CA, UNITED STATES, December 19, 2025 — We proudly announce that Jim Davidson, president and founder of Avant® Advisory Group, has earned the Certified Exit Planning Advisor (CEPA) designation, awarded by the Exit Planning Institute (EPI). This…

In a volatile market, rising costs and shrinking margins are putting pressure on businesses to operate leaner. Cost reduction consultants offer a focused, data-driven approach to streamline expenses without compromising performance or growth. What Do…

Pursuing growth through acquisition remains one of the most direct and scalable methods to expand capabilities, gain market share, and accelerate strategic initiatives. Unlike organic growth, an acquisition-led strategy enables companies to unlock synergies, enter…

Change is an inherent aspect of mergers and acquisitions (M&A), and managing change effectively determines whether post-transaction integration will achieve its strategic and financial goals. A sound M&A change management strategy facilitates alignment between organizations,…

Thank you to everyone who joined Avant® Advisory Group and SFNet SoCal for our recent webinar, “Lessons & Warnings from the Wreckage: What a Flawed Quality of Earnings (“Q of E”) Can Teach Lenders & Investors.” We appreciated the…

Maybe. That’s typically done via agreement on the specific adjustments determined based upon either a sell-side or buy-side Q of E, which drives the valuation and ultimate purchase price Specifying a clear framework for acceptable…

These would be key recommendations: Maintain detailed records and justification for every adjustment. Be conservative and transparent; overstating add-backs can damage credibility and result in a broken deal. Consider hiring a sell-side Q of E…

A third party performed Quality of Earnings assessment (e.g., by a forensic CPA or other due diligence professional) provides an independent assessment without any emotional attachment to the add-backs. This ensures that a professional objectively…

Add-backs directly impact adjusted or normalized EBITDA, which again influence valuation. Certain adjustments may be speculative or not clearly or adequately supported, so those items may only prove out in post-transaction operations. In that case,…

Industries have certain special characteristics that oftentimes dictate what is non-recurring or recurring because of unique features of that particular industry. For example: Pharmaceutical firms typically incur substantial recurring R&D expenses. Those type of expenditures…

Common legitimate add-backs include: One-time legal or consulting fees (e.g., a one-off lawsuit, fees or other costs related to an M&A transaction, or system implementation costs). Severance costs for terminated employees that seldom if ever…

A well-executed Quality of Earnings (Q of E) empowers investors, acquirers, lenders, and other stakeholders with a clear, independent assessment of a company’s core recurring earnings. By identifying and excluding non-recurring items, determining acceptable add-backs,…

Join Avant® Advisory Group in partnership with SFNet SoCal for an insightful FREE Sponsor Webinar designed for lenders, investors, and financial professionals. 📅 Date: Wednesday, November 5, 2025⏰ Time: 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM PST About the Session This webinar will explore a real-world case…

Cash flow is a critical component of financial stability. Even profitable or high growth companies can find themselves in trouble if cash flow is mismanaged or disrupted. Whether navigating a temporary shortfall or planning for…

Post-merger integration (or “PMI”) is one of the most complex and risk-laden phases of the M&A lifecycle. Effective PMI requires more than aligning systems and personnel, it demands strategic focus, operational rigor, relentless financially controlled…

Taking care of your team’s health is not only a kind gesture; it’s also a wise business decision. The goal of preventive healthcare plans is to maintain workers’ well-being, engagement, and productivity. By identifying health…

Understanding the differences between buy-side and sell-side due diligence is a key component to navigating the M&A process with clarity and efficiency. Each side of the transaction has distinct objectives, approaches, and expectations, which shape…

For growing middle-market companies and their owners and investors, EBITDA remains a central metric of financial health. It provides a clear, normalized view of a company’s operating performance before the effects of financing decisions, income…

Operational due diligence (ODD) sometimes referred to as Quality of Operations (QofO) Diligence has become a valuable tool for discerning investors such as private equity, family offices, and other sophisticated investors in complex M&A transactions.…

A Look at High-Performance Consulting Models In the world of management consulting, traits like agility, specialization, and precision often define success. Interestingly, these same qualities are the cornerstone of elite military units—like special forces. While their…

In a competitive transaction environment, sell-side due diligence is more than a defensive tactic—it is a strategic enabler. Conducted ahead of the sale process, this discipline provides stakeholders with an objective assessment of financial and…

In periods of financial strain, companies must weigh decisions that can preserve enterprise value, stabilize operations, and avoid more disruptive alternatives such as bankruptcy. Corporate out-of-court debt restructuring serves as a pragmatic response to unsustainable…

In an increasingly competitive M&A environment, successful acquisitions require more than strategic intent. They demand disciplined execution, rigorous analysis, and informed decision-making. Buy-side due diligence enables acquirers to understand exactly what they are purchasing—and at…

When a business enters a period of distress, the decisions made in the early stages often determine whether value can be preserved—or may be permanently lost. A distressed company may face one or more combinations…

Thorough financial diligence is a foundational step in any merger, acquisition, investment, or strategic transaction. It ensures decision-makers have a clear, objective understanding of a target company’s financial health, performance, risks, and potential. While often…

We are thrilled to announce that Jim Davidson, President and Founder of Avant® Advisory Group, has been recognized as an “Icon” in the ABF Journal’s prestigious 2025 Legends & Leaders issue. This inaugural edition celebrates top professionals across the specialty finance…

Enterprise software implementations—especially ERP and large-scale digital transformation initiatives—are more than just IT upgrades. They are sweeping, high-stakes business transformations. When they go wrong, the fallout isn’t limited to blown budgets and missed deadlines. They…

Even profitable companies can run into cash flow issues. When cash outflows get ahead of cash receipts – even during periods of growth that demand even greater working capital – the pressure builds. A cash…

When it comes to buying or selling a business, surface-level financials rarely tell the full story. That’s when a quality of earnings analysis (QoE analysis) becomes critical. Whether you’re a buyer looking to validate a…

Even well-run companies can lose momentum when challenges mount—from shifting markets and rising costs to internal missteps. When performance begins to slip, a quick fix won’t cut it. What’s needed is a focused, well-executed turnaround…

Securing Value Mergers & Acquisitions – Quality of Earnings / Sell Side Preparation Profitability/EBITDA Improvement / Value Enhancement Post-Acquisition Working Capital / Earnout Disputes Resolution Corporate Governance, Interim C-Suite, CRO & CFO Services Litigation Support…

NEWPORT BEACH, CA, UNITED STATES, March 27, 2025 – Avant® Advisory Group is proud to announce that IR Global has selected James F Davidson, Avant’s founder and president, to represent the firm as IR Global’s exclusive turnaround professional in California,…

Congratulations Banking & Finance Visionaries of 2025! Jim Davidson, CIRA, CTP, CM&AA, CM&AP, CPA, CFF, CFE, CGMA, FCPA, CD, CBA has been featured in the annual Banking & Finance Visionaries 2025. Jim is president and founder of Avant® Advisory…

In this RMA OC educational workshop, Jim Davidson President and Founder of Avant® Advisory Group, an operationally focused financial advisory and management consulting firm, provides an in-depth investigation into the warning signs for Middle Market lenders and investors to consider.…

Avant® Advisory Group has been engaged to serve as the exclusive financial advisor for Rolling Green, Inc. Rolling Green, Inc. is an expert provider of tree care services, including trimming, removal, land clearing, wildfire restoration, utility…

Key Differences between a CPA Audit & Quality of Earnings Analysis In this educational video, James F. Davidson, president and founder of Avant® Advisory Group, explores the main differences between a CPA audit and a…

EBITDA Adjustments & Their Importance In this insightful video, James F. Davidson, Managing Director and Founder of Avant® Advisory Group, examines the importance of EBITDA adjustments. He explains how these modifications create a more transparent…

Identifying Legitimate Add-Backs In this video, James F. Davidson, President of Avant® Advisory Group, outlines the standards for recognizing valid EBITDA add-backs in M&A deals. He emphasizes the significance of supporting documentation and making sure…

Recognizing Red Flags When Evaluating Add-Backs Listen to James F. Davidson, founder & President of Avant® Advisory Group, as he highlights crucial warning signs to consider when assessing add-backs to EBITDA in M&A deals. Jim…

Impact of Excessive & Unjustified Add-Backs on the Deal In this compelling video, James F. Davidson, CPA, CFF, CPA, CFE, CM&AA, CM&AP, Founder & President of Avant® Advisory Group, explores the risks of unwarranted and…

Avant® Advisory Group is committed to strengthening children, families and communities, both nationally and locally, and is honored to sponsor Familybuilding Foundation, Heritage Christian School, 100 Companies that Care, and For the Children/Royal Family Kids. www.AvantAdvisoryGroup.com Avant Advisory Group,…

We’re proud to announce that Jim Davidson has been featured in the Bankruptcy & Restructuring 2024 Virtual Roundtable This insightful discussion explores rising corporate debt levels, industries most at risk, and predictions for 2025. Other…

Securing Value Mergers & Acquisitions – Quality of Earnings / Sell Side Preparation Profitability/EBITDA Improvement / Value Enhancement Post-Acquisition Working Capital / Earnout Disputes Resolution Corporate Governance, Interim C-Suite, CRO & CFO Services Distressed –…

Join Jim Davidson and an expert panel discussing utilization of specialists in turnarounds and workouts. July 8, 2024 | 11:15 AM – 12:00 PM | Dana Point, CA | Waldorf Astoria Monarch Beach Drawing inspiration…

Jim Davidson of Avant® Advisory Group is featured on the cover of The Enterprise World’s latest magazine issue, “The Most Dynamic Business Executives To Watch In 2024.” This month’s issue honors the leaders who are…

As it has done over several years, Avant® continues its sponsorship of For The Children and its Annual Gala which celebrates the work of For The Children staff and volunteers as they continue to mobilize…

Jim Davidson of Avant® Advisory Group is featured in the L.A. Times Banking and Finance Trends, Updates and 2024 Visionaries. In this fourth annual edition of our Banking and Finance Magazine, L.A. Times B2B Publishing is pleased…

Avant® Advisory Group Advised Christ Real Estate Investments in its acquisition of distressed properties.

Avant® Advisory Group Advised Marta Rudat, DDS in her acquisition of OC Dental Specialists, a Cosmetic Dentistry Practice.

Securing Value: Mergers & Acquisitions – Quality of Earnings / Sell Side Preparation Profitability/EBITDA Improvement / Value Enhancement Post-Acquisition Working Capital / Earnout Disputes Resolution Corporate Governance, Interim C-Suite, CRO & CFO Services Distressed –…

Join friends and colleagues for an educational webinar on the topic of: Pitfalls, Risks, and Deal Breakers Surfaced (or Should Have Been) by a Quality of Earnings Analysis Date & Time: Time: Apr 20, 2023…

Avant Advisory Group sponsored Heritage Christian School in hosting the 16th Annual Golf Tournament and Helicopter Ball Drop on May 15, 2023 at the beautiful Mission Viejo Country Club!

As it has done over several years, Avant® continues its sponsorship of For The Children (https://www.forthechildren.org/corporate-sponsors) and its Annual Gala which celebrates the work of For The Children staff and volunteers as they continue to…

Gain free access to educational material from the FEA Webinar: Pitfalls, Risks, and Deal Breakers Surfaced (or Should Have Been) by a Quality of Earnings Analysis Key Takeaways: Critical differences between Quality of Earnings (“Q…

Avant® Advisory Group: Serving the Middle Market with a Value-Driven Approach Avant® is comprised of seasonal financial and operational experts, including certified public accountants (CPAs) that specialize in niches such as mergers & acquisitions, financial…

Jim Davidson of Avant® Advisory Group is featured in Los Angeles Times Banking and Finance: Trends, Updates and Visionaries. L.A. Times B2B Publishing is pleased to announce the third annual Banking and Finance: Trends, Updates & Visionaries magazine.…

Newport Beach, CA – Avant® Advisory Group (http://avantadvisory.com) announces that Analysis Team, Inc. (httpss://analysisteam.com/) has merged its practice into Avant® as of January 2023. For 27 years, Analysis Team, Inc. has deployed software solutions that…

Avant® Advisory Group acted as exclusive M&A Advisor to Elite Global Solutions, Inc. in its acquisition by CFS Brands. Newport Beach, CA – Avant® Advisory Group — is pleased to announce the sale of Elite Global…

Jim Davidson of Avant® Advisory Group is featured in Orange County Banking and Finance Trends Updates and Visionaries The TimesOC B2B Publishing Team is proud to introduce a new annual publication, Orange County Visionaries – Trends, Updates &…

Transaction Announcement Avant® Advisory Group represented Reborn Cabinets in its sale to Renovo Home Partners Newport Beach, CA – Avant® Advisory Group- is pleased to announce the sale of Reborn Cabinets (“Reborn” or the “Company”)…

The Bankruptcy & Restructuring Roundtable panel is produced by the L.A. Times B2B Publishing team in conjunction with Avant® Advisory Group; Greenberg Glusker LLP; and M-Theory Download PDF

Jim Davidson of Avant® Advisory Group is recognized by Los Angeles Business Journal, “Leaders of Influence: Private Equity Investors & Advisors” With the unique and uncharted scenarios that we all faced over the last couple of years, growing…

Jim Davidson of Avant® Advisory Group is recognized by Los Angeles Business Journal, “Leaders of Influence: Private Equity Investors & Advisors” With the unique and uncharted scenarios that we all faced over the last year and a half,…

Turnarounds & Restructurings

Jim Davidson of Avant® Advisory Group is featured in Banking and Finance: Trends, Updates and Visionaries. We are excited to announce our first Banking and Finance Magazine from the Los Angeles Times Brand Publishing team. This issue will…

Los Angeles Deal Connect: Investment Bankers

San Francisco Deal Connect: Investment Bankers

Jim Davidson of Avant® Advisory Group is recognized by Los Angeles Business Journal, “Leaders of Influence: Private Equity Investors & Advisors” Regardless of what is happening in the world around you, the right private equity investor or advisor…

Avant® Advisory Group helps companies access financing through both the paycheck Protection Program and the Economic Injury Disaster Loan Program. When it comes to quick pivots at the outset of COVID-19, consider that of Avant Advisory…

Jim Davidson of Avant® Advisory Group will be joining a panel to examine the provisions of the CARES ACT and SBRA, advantages over traditional Chapter 11 filing, as well as the range of consensual out-of-court restructuring options which…

Global economic distress and the uncertainty of the “new normal” have significantly changed the areas of focus in transactional due diligence, underscoring the limitations of the pre-crisis approach. The panel will discuss best due diligence…

This badge was issued to James F. Davidson on December 31, 2008 CPAs who earn the AICPA’s Certified in Financial Forensics (CFF) credential demonstrate expertise in forensic accounting through competency, experience and adherence to professional…

Join Jim Davidson of Avant Advisory Group along with a distinguished panel of certified fraud examiners, investigators, and counsel to discuss timely topics, such as the warning signs of corporate fraud and issues which may go unnoticed from the…

Join Jim Davidson of Avant® Advisory Group and a panel of distinguished M&A veterans as we discuss topics such as the involvement of independent sponsors in the deal process, financing independent sponsor transactions, and independent sponsors. PANEL: Terry…

Avant® Advisory Group is proud to congratulate these exceptional investors from Balmoral Funds. 2019 Most Influential Private Equity Investors.

Join Jim Davidson of Avant® Advisory Group and a panel of distinguished M&A veterans as they discuss the networks they have developed over the years. Along with how to utilize them now, in a robust M&A. About Topic: Economics…

Join Avant® Advisory Group in its sponsorship of the Royal Family Kids Now Gala event in celebrating nearly 130,000 changed lives!Click the link below for tickets that support the transformation of communities nationwide. Buy Tickets

OCTN Meeting April 2019 – Recent Trends Affecting M&AWhat are the recent trends affecting M&A Moderators Ed Bernabeo, VP Relationship Manager Business Banking, Banc of California Stan Marcus, Managing Director, Capital Business West LLC/AeroPay Express…

Join a panel of M&A experts discussing topics such as market overviews, transactions structure, data analytics and more! SPEAKERS: Richard Andersen, Founder and CEO, ShareVault James D. Rosener, Head of International Practice Group, Managing Partner,…

Moderator – Opus Connect, Los Angeles Join us as a panel of deal veterans share valuable lessons learned from tough deals and failed transactions. Issues addressed will include buyer mistakes, over valuation, poor structuring, cultural…

James F. Davidson had the honor of speaking alongside other key Mergers & Acquisitions experts on the Expert Webcast, “Expert Webcast Panel Discussion.” This complimentary on-demand webcast panel discussion is available for your viewing. Join us…

Avant® Advisory Group is a proud sponsor of Royal Family KIDS and Teen Reach and the positive impact they make. Visit their sponsor booths at the FCCI 2018 International Summit.

We invite you to follow us on LinkedIn for news, info, and tips providing guidance to position your business to be operationally and financially stronger. Follow Us

James F. Davidson had the honor of speaking alongside other key Merger & Acquisitions experts on the Expert Webcast, “M&A Due Diligence – Live Video Roundtable.” This complimentary on-demand webcast panel discussion is available for your…

James F. Davidson had the honor of speaking alongside other key Merger & Acquisitions experts on the Expert Webcast, “Middle Market Buyouts – Private Equity & Family Offices.” This complimentary on-demand webcast panel discussion is available…

Congratulations to Royal Family KIDS for achieving the “Charity Navigator – Highest Four Star Rating”. We at Avant® are proud to sponsor such an incredible organization which does life-changing work for foster kids in the…

The attention-getting article is titled: “17-Year Sentence for West Palm Beach Eye Doctor in $73 million Medicare Fraud Case.” Dr. Salomon Melgen was convicted of 67 crimes involving healthcare fraud for persuading elderly patients to…

Discover how our client-focused approach sets Avant Transaction Advisory Group apart as a premier M&A advisory firm. VIEW MERGERS, ACQUISITIONS & TRANSACTION SUPPORT SERVICES

Thank you to all the clients we proudly served in 2017.Download Avant® Advisory Group 2017 Year in Review.

Avant® Advisory Group is a proud premium table sponsor of the 16th Annual Dealmaker Marketplace Private Equity Event. View Webcast

Avoid the potential pitfalls of your merger or acquisition. Read our comprehensive guide to help ensure a successful transaction. View the Ultimate Guide

We are pleased to invite you to attend an Expert Webcast panel discussing Distressed Asset Acquisitions featuring Avant® Advisory Group Managing Director & President, James F. Davidson. PANEL: Norman Kinel, Partner, National Chair of the Firm’s Creditors’ Committee…

Avant® Advisory Group’s recent restructuring project brought a great result for both the borrower and the lenders. Through Avant’s continuing efforts the client was able to prevent a potential bankruptcy situation and reposition itself for…

Be Objective and Keep an Open MindOne of the most important factors when handling a transaction is to be objective and keep an open mind throughout the process. Davidson suggests not ever allowing your emotions…

Avant® Advisory Group is well suited to act in fiduciary capacities or to support fiduciaries such as trustees, receivers, and monitors in bankruptcy, fraud, and other situations. We are well positioned to help in complex…

Thanks in part to the generosity of Avant® Advisory Group, ACG Los Angeles was pleased to present this educational and fun event for LA business professionals on October 15 at the California Club. Along with an…

Newly formed Securities and Exchange Commission task forces will explore the use of the SEC’s increased data-mining capability as a way to detect financial-reporting fraud at corporations, the two leaders of one of the units…

Although there were immense opportunities for distressed investors in the immediate aftermath of the financial crisis, the environment has become challenging to predict. With cheap money, questionable recovery, and few bankruptcies, the number of distressed…

As a convicted felon, Sam E. Antar, the former CFO for the now-defunct consumer-electronics chain Crazy Eddie, no doubt has regrets. Among them: he is no longer in the game at a time when corporate…

Newport Beach, California, December 24, 2009 Don McNamara, Certified Management Consultant (CMC), has joined the sales and revenues management and C-Suite, turnaround, and mergers and acquisitions practices of Avant® Advisory Group (www.AvantAdvisory.com), a premier management…

Newport Beach, California, December 24, 2009, Waypoint Leadership Inc., a Newport Beach based firm that focuses on strategic project execution and acceleration, and Avant® Advisory Group (www.AvantAdvisory.com), a premier management consulting firm, have partnered to provide world class…