Malpractice Insurer Not Required to Defend Valuation Firm for Claim Alleging Securities Fraud
This case featured a motion to dismiss a claim from an insured that the plaintiff, Great American, was required to defend the defendant, Stout, against a claim by ESOP plaintiffs that Stout committed “federal securities fraud.” While the Great American policy covered valuation services, the policy also featured an exclusion for claims against the insured for securities violations.
Great Am. Fid. Ins. Co. v. Stout Risius Ross, Inc.
This case featured a motion to dismiss a claim from an insured that the plaintiff, Great American, was required to defend the defendant, Stout, against a claim by ESOP plaintiffs that Stout committed “federal securities fraud.” While the Great American policy covered valuation services, the policy also featured an exclusion for claims against the insured for securities violations.
ESOP litigation has become ‘risky business,’ says Alerding
As BVWire recently reported, the latest development in the long-running Brundle ESOP litigation is a lawsuit the trustee has filed against the very ESOP appraiser it once had hired to work on the case.
Another wrinkle in the Brundle ESOP case
Although the district and appellate courts in the landmark Brundle ESOP case ruled years ago against the trustee, Wilmington Trust, litigation related to the case is not over.
The BVR Guide to Management Projections and Business Valuation: Analysis and Case Law
June 2021 Hardcover, PDF
BVR (editor)
Business Valuation Resources, LLC
New evolving ESOP case raises familiar valuation-related issues
A new ESOP litigation is underway in federal district court related to a 2011 transaction in which the majority owner of the company sold his remaining stock to the company’s ESOP.
Scalia v. Reliance Trust Co.
In an evolving ESOP case, court says DOL’s allegations that ESOP trustee and various directors engaged in breaches of fiduciary duties and caused the ESOP to enter a prohibited transaction (i.e., overpaid for company stock) require “fact-intensive inquiry” and cannot be resolved on summary judgment.
Court Says DOL Claims in ESOP Case Require ‘Fact-Intensive Inquiry’ and Denies Motions for Summary Judgment
In an evolving ESOP case, court says DOL’s allegations that ESOP trustee and various directors engaged in breaches of fiduciary duties and caused the ESOP to enter a prohibited transaction (i.e., overpaid for company stock) require “fact-intensive inquiry” and cannot be resolved on summary judgment.
DOL and Professional Fiduciary Services settle ESOP suit
The DOL recently settled a suit against Professional Fiduciary Services (PFS) related to a 2012 transaction in which PFS served as trustee in an ESOP acquisition of outstanding company stock.
ESOP valuation FAQ guide is in the works at the AICPA
A new AICPA FAQ guide is being prepared on ESOP valuations, say Natalya Abdrasilova (Wipfli LLP) and Steven L. York (Stern Brothers Valuation Advisors), who spoke at the recent AICPA FVS Conference.
Vinoskey reply brief refutes DOL’s stock value and control claims
Argument continues in the contentious Vinoskey ESOP litigation, which is now in the 4th Circuit where the remaining defendant, Adam Vinoskey, has appealed the district court’s liability and damages findings.
DOL appellate brief pushes back in Vinoskey ESOP litigation
Neither side is letting up in the contentious Vinoskey ESOP litigation that has now moved to the 4th Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals.
ESOPs: good for employees but facing an uncertain future
A recent article in the New York Times extols the virtues of employee ownership through employee stock ownership plans (ESOPs). And trade groups for employee-owned businesses have noted bipartisan Congressional support for ESOPs. But ESOP experts (trustees and appraisers) worry that the Department of Labor’s antagonistic attitude toward ESOP transactions, validated by key victories in court, has stymied ESOP formation.
ESOPs: good for employees but facing an uncertain future
A recent article in the New York Times extols the virtues of employee ownership through employee stock ownership plans (ESOPs).
Lysengen v. Argent Trust Co.
ESOP plaintiff’s proposed class action against trustee and selling shareholders survives motion to dismiss; court says complaint gave enough facts to support claims of overpayment and breach of fiduciary duty; defendant must show disputed transaction falls into adequate consideration exemption.
ESOP Plaintiff’s Proposed Class Action Alleging Overpayment Survives Motion to Dismiss
ESOP plaintiff’s proposed class action against trustee and selling shareholders survives motion to dismiss; court says complaint gave enough facts to support claims of overpayment and breach of fiduciary duty; defendant must show disputed transaction falls into adequate consideration exemption.
ASA, supporting Vinoskey ESOP appeal, aims to correct BV ‘misstatements’
The ASA recently filed an amicus brief in support of the Vinoskey appeal, in which it claims the district court, in ruling against the ESOP trustee and the owner and selling shareholder, Adam Vinoskey, made numerous valuation-related misstatements that required correction.
Defendant in Vinoskey ESOP case files appeal with 4th Circuit
In the contentious Vinoskey ESOP case, one of the defendants, the owner and selling shareholder, Adam Vinoskey, recently appealed the district court’s finding that he was liable for knowingly participating in the trustee defendant’s ERISA violations and was a co-fiduciary for the trustee’s breaches of fiduciary duties.
RVNB class action alleging breach of fiduciary duty by ESOP trustee hurtles toward final settlement
ESOP litigation watchers can add one more case to the number of actions that recently have been resolved.
Plaintiffs in Rainbow ESOP class action ready to settle case
Last week, we reported on the resolution of two major ESOP litigations.
ESOP litigants play by their own valuation rules, speakers say
Imagine if you were playing on a baseball team and the opposing players argue that you are violating the rules of soccer.
Appeal in Lee ESOP case dismissed; ESOP class action also close to resolution
The last few weeks have seen the end of two ESOP litigations that have drawn a lot of attention from the ESOP community.
Court Finds ESOP Trustee’s Insurance Excludes Coverage for Defense Against DOL’s ERISA Claims
In bifurcated ESOP litigation centering on ERISA violations, court finds trustee defendants’ professional liability policy expressly excluded coverage for ERISA claims; under language of policy, insurer is not required to defend or indemnify trustee defendants fighting DOL’s ERISA allegations.
Gemini Ins. Co. v. Potts
In bifurcated ESOP litigation centering on ERISA violations, court finds trustee defendants’ professional liability policy expressly excluded coverage for ERISA claims; under language of policy, insurer is not required to defend or indemnify trustee defendants fighting DOL’s ERISA allegations.
Class-Action Litigation Involving ERISA/ESOP Valuation Issues
Join James F. Joyner and attorney Richard Pearl for unique insight into ESOPs and valuation principles. The general trend in ESOP transactions and valuation has been to acquiesce to fundamental changes because of the threat of litigation, even though ERISA or valuation principles do not require changes. Many defendants have been unable to adequately educate courts on some key issues. Get both the valuation and attorney perspective on how to address these issues.