Masson & Company: Evaluating when to Call Us

The most diligent and talented executives and investors can be late in seeking assistance when faced with deteriorating financial and operating performance. Lack of time and resources to address the situation? More productive opportunities elsewhere? Apprehensive about alienating management but uncertain about their motivation and abilities? All common reasons. But experience continually shows it is important to engage assistance as early as possible. Opportunities and alternatives are greatest - and resolution almost always cheapest - at the outset. Prospects dim and value is lost with the passage of time.
Consider the following in evaluating your situation: When more time and on-site attention is required than the investment manager can reasonably devote. Time and attention devoted to a troubled investment keep the investment manager from working with existing healthy investments or developing new opportunities. When a company's troubles become so demanding that operating management is distracted from attending to the basic business. Assistance from professionals who specialize in dealing with troubled situations allows management to focus on the needs of the business. When a fresh perspective is warranted. Clients have told us, "We aren't even sure if anything is wrong. But we're sure we need a fresh view of the situation."	When full-time interim executive management is needed to replace departing management. When faced with major restructuring decisions without having enough time or resources to develop and consider alternatives. For example: Committing to newly-developed operating and financial plans without time to confirm whether such plans are realistic or have been developed with consideration of alternatives. Negotiating agreements with banks, vendors and other creditors. Supporting or replacing management. Considering or committing to additional financing; designing a new capital structure. Selling the company or divesting an operating division. Filing for bankruptcy or planning for liquidation. When clients anticipate the above circumstances and wish to act proactively.

The most diligent and talented executives and investors can be late in seeking assistance when faced with deteriorating financial and operating performance.

Lack of time and resources to address the situation?
More productive opportunities elsewhere?
Apprehensive about alienating management but uncertain about their motivation and abilities?

All common reasons. But experience continually shows it is important to engage assistance as early as possible.

Opportunities and alternatives are greatest - and resolution almost always cheapest - at the outset.
Prospects dim and value is lost with the passage of time.

Consider the following in evaluating your situation:

When more time and on-site attention is required than the investment manager can reasonably devote.
Time and attention devoted to a troubled investment keep the investment manager from working with existing healthy investments or developing new opportunities.
When a company's troubles become so demanding that operating management is distracted from attending to the basic business.
Assistance from professionals who specialize in dealing with troubled situations allows management to focus on the needs of the business.
When a fresh perspective is warranted.
Clients have told us, "We aren't even sure if anything is wrong. But we're sure we need a fresh view of the situation."

When full-time interim executive management is needed to replace departing management.
When faced with major restructuring decisions without having enough time or resources to develop and consider alternatives. For example:
- Committing to newly-developed operating and financial plans without time to confirm whether such plans are realistic or have been developed with consideration of alternatives.
- Negotiating agreements with banks, vendors and other creditors.
- Supporting or replacing management.
- Considering or committing to additional financing; designing a new capital structure.
- Selling the company or divesting an operating division.
- Filing for bankruptcy or planning for liquidation.
When clients anticipate the above circumstances and wish to act proactively.