Development Specialists, Inc. (DSI), a Chicago-based provider of
management consulting and financial advisory services, received three M&A Advisor Turnaround Awards at the recent 6th
Annual Turnaround Gala in Palm Beach, Fla. The ceremony recognizes the
achievements of the world's leading mergers and acquisitions, financing
and turnaround professionals.
DSI's three awards were the "Reorganization of the Year
(Middle Market);" "Consumer and Retail Products (Over $50 Million) Sale
of the Year;" and "Real Estate Deal of the Year (Under $500 Million)"
categories.
DSI won the Reorganization of the Year for its work on the acquisition
of HearUSA by Siemens Hearing Instruments. West Palm Beach.
Fla-headquartered HearUSA was a leader in hearing care for the nation's
managed care organizations selling a full line of hearing aid and
related products. The company filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in May
2011 and was subsequently sold at auction in September 2011 to Siemens.
Additionally, DSI was honored for its outstanding work in the
sale and real estate deal of Frankfort, Illinois-based Gas City, Limited to
multiple strategic buyers. Gas City Limited is the owner and operator of
gasoline stations, truck stops, and convenience stores. The company
filed for bankruptcy in October 2011 and was sold at auction in April
2011.
"These awards represent the breadth and depth of work we provide our
clients," says Bill Brandt, DSI president and CEO. "We are honored that
M&A Advisor has recognized us for our commitment to maximizing value for
all stakeholders involved in this continuously challenging business
environment."
Monday, February 13, 2012
Deerfield Accountant Indicted for Defrauding Clients of $2 Million
United States Attorney Patrick J. Fitzgerald announced recently that a certified public accountant and tax preparer based in Deerfield, Illinois, Jeffrey B. Travis, 50, was indicted by a federal grand jury sitting in Chicago for allegedly defrauding five of his clients and US Bancorp out of $2 million.
Travis, a resident of Vernon Hills, practicing as Gross & Travis, Ltd. in Deerfield, was charged with five counts of bank fraud and three counts of mail fraud, according to a release issued by Fitzgerald.
Travis is accused of allegedly depositing 668 checks without authority from clients intended for others into accounts he controlled at US Bancorp from 2002 through 2009.
According to the release, the indictment seeks forfeiture of $2,034,848, which it says represents proceeds of the alleged fraud schemes. Each count of bank fraud carries a maximum penalty of 30 years in prison and a $1 million fine. Each mail fraud count carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine, and restitution is mandatory.
Travis, a resident of Vernon Hills, practicing as Gross & Travis, Ltd. in Deerfield, was charged with five counts of bank fraud and three counts of mail fraud, according to a release issued by Fitzgerald.
Travis is accused of allegedly depositing 668 checks without authority from clients intended for others into accounts he controlled at US Bancorp from 2002 through 2009.
According to the release, the indictment seeks forfeiture of $2,034,848, which it says represents proceeds of the alleged fraud schemes. Each count of bank fraud carries a maximum penalty of 30 years in prison and a $1 million fine. Each mail fraud count carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine, and restitution is mandatory.