Firm Management
KSM Adds Valuation Firm ValueKnowledge in Illinois
The Indianapolis-based top 60 firm said the deal with ValueKnowledge augments its growing business valuation practice.
Nov. 12, 2024
Top 60 accounting firm KSM (Katz, Sapper & Miller) said on Tuesday it has acquired ValueKnowledge, a Chicago-area valuation and advisory firm, effective Oct. 21.
Financial terms of the deal weren’t disclosed. Indianapolis-based KSM said the transaction augments its growing business valuation practice, adding an experienced team led by ValueKnowledge founder Jim Krillenberger and vice president Andy Stebbins, who join KSM as managing director and director, respectively.
Founded in 2005, Downers Grove, IL-based ValueKnowledge specializes in sophisticated 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 provides litigation support services for shareholder disputes and other matters.
ValueKnowledge’s work provides critical valuation insights for publicly traded entities, private equity-owned businesses, and large middle-market companies, across a wide range of industries, helping these clients make informed financial decisions, according to KSM.
Krillenberger brings more than 25 years of experience in business valuations to KSM. He is well-regarded in the valuation community, having previously served 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 adds over a decade of business valuation experience, having worked on hundreds of engagements across private and publicly traded companies.
“We’re thrilled to welcome the ValueKnowledge team to KSM,” Mike North, partner-in-charge of advisory services at KSM, said in a statement. “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 added, “KSM’s reputation and client-centered approach make this a natural and exciting next step for ValueKnowledge. The alignment of our teams allows us to combine strengths and seamlessly continue to serve our clients while offering them expanded services and solutions.”
This transaction follows the announcement that New York City-based accounting firm Shanholt Glassman Klein Kramer & Co. and its 65 employees joined KSM as of Oct. 31.