Cornerstone has successfully represented both buyers and sellers during the complex negotiations that go into a corporate merger or acquisition. Our clients rely on us for delivery of accurate, relevant, and organized environmental, health and safety data while managing costs and timelines. The most common services required for companies considering an M&A are Phase I Environmental Site Assessments (ESA), Regulatory Project Planning, Site Selection Assistance (based on regulatory scrutiny) and EHS Due Diligence Reports.  This information allows our clients to make critical decisions based on their risk tolerance by clarifying the costs and timelines of needed environmental approvals. Our guidance also provides clients with options for favorable regulatory operational flexibility. Below are examples of successful M&A projects that highlight how we can be a resource to our clients.

International Acquisition

Cornerstone consulted with a privately held international trading and supply chain client based in Japan, with annual sales exceeding $1 billion. The client acquired a small logistics firm that managed a large percentage of their freight for strategic locations. The process was complicated by the seller’s outdated data management. We provided a report that was acceptable to both the U.S. and Japanese teams. Our experience in this type of international collaboration allowed us to communicate clearly and minimize cultural gaps to a successful conclusion.

 Self-Disclosure

A Fortune 500 client acquired a competitor’s company with multiple locations. With our assistance, the operation’s gaps in environmental compliance were addressed using the EPA’s New Owner Audit and Self Disclosure Program.  This program minimizes or eliminates monetary citations by allowing the company to direct those dollars to compliance efforts.  All aspects of the project were tracked on shared documents including the status of projects and budgets, in addition to implementing sustainable environmental management practices.