The 85-member Financial Consulting Group has just announced its agreement with the University of South Florida (USF) School of Accountancy to fund the Private Entities Endowed Research Fund (PEERF). The new fund—the only one of its kind at any academic institution—will focus entirely on private entity research, in part to provide the BV community with “authoritative, academically-based research to support…valuation engagements and activities,” reports Michael Mard (Financial Valuation Group) in the current issue of Financial Valuation Litigation Expert.

In particular, the fund will encourage empirical research on private entities in three areas: (1) value drivers—including the all-important discounts and rates of return; (2) enterprise components (intangible and tangible assets); and (3) tax, regulation and reporting requirements. PEERF is looking to raise $300,000; sponsors will receive ongoing research updates and access to publish the completed research. Contributions should go to the FCG at 900 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles CA 90017; attention: PEERF.