Duff & Phelps to Acquire American Appraisal

 -- Significantly Enhances Duff & Phelps’ World-Class Valuation Service Offering --

NEW YORK - Tuesday, February 3rd 2015 [ME NewsWire]

-- Accelerates Expansion of Global Footprint --

(BUSINESS WIRE) - Duff & Phelps Corporation, the premier global valuation and corporate finance advisor, today announced that it has signed a definitive agreement to acquire American Appraisal Associates, Inc., a global full-service valuation and fixed asset management advisor. The transaction bolsters Duff & Phelps’ world-class valuation capabilities, adding professionals in more than 50 offices globally. As a result, Duff & Phelps will significantly expand its geographic footprint in Europe and Asia.

Noah Gottdiener, Duff & Phelps' Chief Executive Officer, said, “The American Appraisal acquisition represents an important milestone for Duff & Phelps. We are bringing together firms that, collectively, possess more than two centuries of experience providing superior client service and insight to boards of directors, senior management teams and finance professionals around the world. American Appraisal's established leadership in valuation and fixed asset management advisory services–which includes serving 85% of the Fortune 500–aligns seamlessly with our valuation expertise. Clients will benefit from a combined valuation practice spanning every asset class, offered in dozens of markets around the world, and delivered with independence and technical rigor. I welcome the American Appraisal team to Duff & Phelps, and look forward to combining these two great companies."

Joseph Zvesper, American Appraisal's Chairman and CEO, added, "Enterprises are increasingly accountable for reporting transparent valuations to regulators, investors and other stakeholders. The combination of our two companies creates a global powerhouse with the experienced professionals, independence and integrity that clients can rely on to satisfy this important commitment. I, and my colleagues, look forward to working with the Duff & Phelps team on integration efforts, and to ensuring our employees and clients maximize the benefits this transaction provides.”

Also included in the transaction is American Appraisal’s Real Estate Advisory Group (“REAG”), a leading real estate advisor with principal operations in Europe. The transaction, financial terms of which were not disclosed, is expected to close during the first quarter of 2015. Kirkland & Ellis acted as legal advisor to Duff & Phelps and Foley & Lardner acted as legal advisor to American Appraisal.

About Duff & Phelps

Duff & Phelps is the premier global valuation and corporate finance advisor with expertise in complex valuation, dispute consulting, M&A, restructuring, and compliance and regulatory consulting. The firm’s more than 1,500 employees serve a diverse range of clients from offices around the world. For more information, visit www.duffandphelps.com.

M&A advisory and capital raising services in the United States are provided by Duff & Phelps Securities, LLC. Member FINRA/SIPC. Pagemill Partners is a Division of Duff & Phelps Securities, LLC. M&A advisory and capital raising services in the United Kingdom and Germany are provided by Duff & Phelps Securities Ltd., which is authorized and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.

About American Appraisal

American Appraisal is a leading valuation and related advisory services firm that provides expertise in all classifications of tangible and intangible assets. It comprises 900 employees, operating from cities throughout Asia-Pacific, Europe, North America and South America. Its portfolio of services focuses on four key competencies: Valuation, Transaction Consulting, Real Estate Advisory and Fixed Asset Management. For more information, visit www.american-appraisal.com.    

Contacts

Duff & Phelps

Marty Dauer, +1 212-871-2116

marty.dauer@duffandphelps.com



or

Perry Street Communications

Jennifer Sanders, +1 212 741 0014

duffandphelps@perryst.com



or

Smithfield

Alex Simmons, +44 (0)20 7903 0669

asimmons@smithfieldgroup.com



or

American Appraisal

Laura Brophy, +1 414-225-1261

lbrophy@american-appraisal.com

or

REAG

Paola Ricciardi, +39 348 320 9023

pricciardi@reag-aa.com



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