5 Critical Due Diligence Failures in the $2.8B Franchise Group Fraud
Watch this video on YouTube. The Franchise Group fraud is one of the largest leveraged buyout failures in recent history. When B. Riley Financial committed $600 million to take Franchise Group private in a $2.8 billion leveraged buyout, the deal looked like a textbook transaction. Established retail brands. Experienced management. Institutional backing. What nobody caught […]
Earnout Dispute Victory: Powerful $811M J&J Lesson
When Johnson & Johnson bought Auris Health for $3.4 billion in 2019, both sides believed they had written a clean deal. Seven years later, an earnout dispute between J&J and the former Auris shareholders has produced the largest damages award ever entered in a post-closing milestone fight — roughly $811 million — and a brand-new […]
Social Media Addiction Lawsuit: What the $6M Meta-YouTube Verdict Means for Business
On March 25, 2026, a Los Angeles jury did something no American jury had done before: it held two of the largest technology companies in the world financially responsible for designing addictive social media platforms. The social media addiction lawsuit resulted in a $6 million verdict against Meta and YouTube — and the implications reach […]
Artist Management Agreements: What a $3.8 Million Handshake Deal Teaches Every Artist and Manager
A Cook County jury just delivered a verdict in one of the most watched artist management agreement disputes in years. Chance the Rapper prevailed against his former manager, Pat Corcoran, who claimed he was owed $3.8 million under a deal that was never put in writing. The two operated on a handshake for seven years. […]
Ohio Gaming Lawyer: Legal Services for the Gaming Industry
An Ohio gaming lawyer is essential for any company operating in the state’s rapidly expanding gaming market. From sports betting operators and casino licensees to technology vendors and investors, the legal complexities of Ohio gaming law require experienced counsel who understands both the regulatory framework and the business opportunities at stake. Howard East’s corporate attorneys […]
Boston Business Lawyer: Corporate Legal Services
A Boston business lawyer provides the legal foundation that growing companies need to succeed in one of the most competitive business markets in the country. From entity formation and contract drafting to mergers, acquisitions, and investor negotiations, having experienced corporate counsel is essential for navigating the legal complexities of operating in Massachusetts and beyond. Why […]
RegTech: How It Helps Companies with Compliance
RegTech compliance is transforming how businesses meet their regulatory obligations. As regulations grow more complex across industries from finance to healthcare, companies are turning to regulatory technology solutions to automate monitoring, reduce risk, and cut compliance costs. Understanding how RegTech compliance tools work is essential for any business navigating today’s regulatory environment. Howard East’s corporate […]
What Is an Accredited Investor? Requirements and Qualifications
Accredited Investor Definition Under SEC Rules An accredited investor is an individual or entity that meets specific financial criteria established by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), qualifying them to participate in private securities offerings that are not registered with the SEC. The accredited investor standard is a cornerstone of securities regulation — it determines […]
How to Calculate Your Company’s Value for Investors
Business valuation is the process of determining what your company is worth, and it is one of the most critical steps before raising capital from investors. Whether you are preparing for a Series A round, seeking angel investment, or negotiating a private equity deal, an accurate valuation protects your equity position and sets realistic expectations […]
Retained Earnings Strategies for Business Growth
Retained earnings strategies determine how your business reinvests profits to fuel growth, reduce debt, and build long-term value. Every dollar your company earns after expenses and distributions becomes retained earnings, and the decisions you make about how to deploy that capital can define your company’s trajectory for years to come. Howard East’s corporate attorneys advise […]