Case Studies

ABC of Cabinet Manufacturer & Contractor

J.S. Held Acquires Shechter & Everett to Expand Forensic Accounting Capabilities for Family Law Disputes in Florida

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The Situation

After multiple years of mismanagement and poor A/R collections, a cabinet manufacturer and carpentry contractor was illiquid and headed toward a Chapter 7 liquidation.

The company’s attorney recommended hiring our experts to assess alternatives. We determined that an Assignment for the Benefit of Creditors (ABC) would yield the best outcome for all parties involved.

How We Advised

In an ABC, our team achieved a recovery 3-4x greater than could have been accomplished in a Chapter 7, saved jobs, and ensured customers’ projects were completed by:

  • Negotiating a payment plan with the largest creditor, which had liens on A/R, to keep the business operating until it was sold;
  • Identifying prospective buyers who would complete the debtor’s contractual work-in-process so pre-existing A/R could be collected for the benefit of pre-existing creditors; and
  • Applying the sale proceeds to pay priority liens, such as payroll and past-due taxes.

Other problems and solutions provided by our experts include:

  • Mechanics' liens on certain projects limited A/R collections, impeding working capital.
    • We negotiated with the vendor holding the liens to attain a favorable payment plan, enabling the ABC to proceed.
  • The company faced IRS liens for past-due payroll taxes, overdue accounts payable, vendor disputes, and a pending eviction for overdue rent.
    • We negotiated a favorable long-term payment plan with the IRS.
    • Our team analyzed the final payroll for terminated employees pursuant to California law.
    • We sold assets (equipment, raw materials, and certain WIP contracts), applying the proceeds to pay priority liens.
  • The company lacked working capital to complete customer contracts to generate revenue.
    • We negotiated the sale of assets to a buyer willing to fulfill pre-existing contracts.
    • Our experts aggressively collected outstanding A/R and A/R generated by the completed contracts for the benefit of creditors.

Key Contact

David Stapleton, CPA, CLPF 
Senior Managing Director 
Strategic Advisory Practice 
+1 213 235 0601 
[email protected] 

Related Practice Areas

> Assignment for the Benefit of Creditors (ABC) 
As Assignees, our financial and operational experts leverage extensive restructuring experience to liquidate assets and quickly maximize proceeds for creditors while mitigating liability and preserving jobs. Our team serves as the distressed business’s de facto CEO and CFO, taking control of operations; managing creditors, employees, and litigation; preparing for and executing the sale of business assets; and distributing proceeds to creditors pursuant to priority. 

 

> Chief Restructuring Officer (CRO) and Interim Management Services 
Our experienced C-suite interim executives advise and support companies in financial distress, experiencing hypergrowth, or that are challenged by critical vacancies among senior leadership. Whether the leadership void results from operating challenges, a recent officer resignation, the need for added support during busy periods, or during an extended job search for the right permanent hire, our experienced executives provide immediate relief and value. 

Our Experts