Our sell side clients are surprised to realize that their CPAs that prepare their taxes and keep ordinary financials are not well versed in GAAP and other accounting principles necessary to prepare financials the way private equity or other institutional buyers will expect. That’s not a knock on your local CPA, it’s simply a niche service that requires experience and expertise in M&A transactions of significant value with a significant partner. Your local CPA is most likely a wonderful resource when it comes to effective tax strategies with respect to your existing practice. However if they do not have experience in M&A transactions, it’s not likely that they would be equipped with the tools to effectively provide this type of analysis.