$Account.OrganizationName
Brandlin & Associates News )
October 2008
  • Stormy Seas
  • Michael Kirsanov Joins Brandlin
  • About Brandlin & Associates
  • Merely a year ago, the shareholders of AIG, Washington Mutual, Bear Stearns, Lehman Brothers and Countrywide most likely felt that their capital was safe under the guidance of strong management teams. What happened? Could different management teams have made a difference at these companies?


    Stormy Seas
    Sea Witch in Stormy Seas

    Are your portfolio companies prepared for the economic storm? Is management actively assessing "leading indicators" that could reduce profitability, then modifying the business plan to avoid those rocky shoals? Is the reporting you receive sufficient to identify issues that could require a future bailout?

    The current economic storm hit land quickly and violently. As a result, some of your management teams may have been taken by surprise, particularly after such a long period of economic exuberance, capital availability and "covenant light" structures. Since it is easier to grow a company in a frothy economy than it is to batten-down-the-hatches during a downturn, there may be managers in your portfolio companies who are struggling with shifting gears.

    Our expert professionals bridge the divide between management and you, helping to protect and buffer all parties in the process. Initially, we assess management and the tools it is employing to operate in today's challenging economy. We then work closely with management to evaluate operations and, as necessary:

    • Introduce direct costing concepts;
    • Develop a comprehensive 13-week cash flow model;
    • Prepare realistic operating budgets and projections based on the existing and forecasted market;
    • Assess cash burn rate;
    • Identify non-core assets and / or operations available for disposition;
    • Evaluate unprofitable business units;
    • Analyze business trends;
    • Review EBITDA calculations and adjustments; and
    • Establish forecasting metrics & measurements.

    To the extent that there are voids in management, we provide professionals with deep experience on an interim basis.

    This, like all storms, will pass. We can help you ensure that your portfolio companies successfully navigate these troubled waters.

    Michael Kirsanov Joins Brandlin
    Kirsanov

    We are pleased to welcome Michael Kirsanov to our team. Michael joined Brandlin from PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP's Assurance group where he managed high-risk audit and consulting engagements. He has deep experience reviewing internal controls and providing recommendations based on identified risks and client objectives. Michael is particularly experienced in the financial services, entertainment, manufacturing, non-profit and technology industries.

    About Brandlin & Associates
    Brandlin Logo

    Brandlin & Associates is an exclusive provider of accounting due diligence, financial consulting and strategic consulting services. We pride ourselves on offering superior technical expertise, years of practical experience and unparalleled service to decipher financial and operational performance metrics. As a result, our clients are able to make informed decisions in a timely manner.


    phone: (310) 789-1777


    Brandlin & Associates | 1801 Century Park East, Suite 1040 | Los Angeles | CA | 90067