Katz, Sapper & Miller, a Top 50 Firm based in Indianapolis, has added ValueKnowledge LLC, a valuation and advisory firm based in Downers Grove, Illinois, in the Chicago area, effective Oct. 21.
ValueKnowledge specializes in business valuations, including fair value analyses of intangible assets and impairment testing of goodwill, as well as valuations of debt and equity interests, including complex securities, for financial reporting and tax purposes. The firm also offers litigation support services for shareholder disputes and other matters.
Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. KSM ranked No. 49 on Accounting Today's 2024 list of the Top 100 Firms, with 2023 revenue of $144,875,000. KSM has 750 employees across the U.S., including 70 partners.
As part of the deal, ValueKnowledge's Jim Krillenberger and Andy Stebbins will be joining KSM as managing director and director, respectively, of KSM's business valuation practice. Krillenberger founded ValueKnowledge in 2005.
"We're thrilled to welcome the ValueKnowledge team to KSM," said Mike North, partner-in-charge of KSM's advisory services, in a statement Tuesday. "Jim's extensive experience — from his leadership at Big Four firms, to building his own successful valuation practice — adds incredible depth to our team and value for our clients. Andy's proven skills and dedication to client success will further enhance our team's capabilities. Integrating ValueKnowledge strengthens KSM's advisory role, better equipping us to guide clients through complex financial decisions."
Krillenberger has over 25 years of experience in business valuations. He previously worked as a partner at PwC, a partner in EY's Transaction Advisory Services practice, and a managing director in Standard & Poor's valuation practice. Stebbins has over a decade of business valuation experience working on hundreds of engagements for private and public companies.
"KSM's reputation and client-centered approach make this a natural and exciting next step for ValueKnowledge," said Krillenberger. "The alignment of our teams allows us to combine strengths and seamlessly continue to serve our clients while offering them expanded services and solutions."
ValueKnowledge has done work for publicly traded entities, private equity-owned businesses, and large middle-market companies in various industries."
KSM recently added
