Photo of Peter A. Mahler

Peter A. Mahler is a litigator focusing on business divorce cases involving dissolution and other disputes among co-­owners of closely held business entities, such as limited liability companies, corporations, and partnerships. Peter represents both control and non-control owners, often involving family-owned businesses. Frequently counseling business owners prior to litigation, he advises them of their rights and also assists in designing and negotiating an amicable separation between parties. Peter’s counsel helps avoid litigation by means of a buy-out, sale, or division of business assets.

 

 

Individuals and companies have a choice of entities – some requiring more formalities than others – through which to pool their resources and efforts in pursuit of a common business goal. Joint ventures and general partnerships are on the less formal side of the spectrum and are often used in the early stages of a

See full size imageBusiness appraisers generally apply discounts of one sort or another to value an interest in a closely held business entity. Discounts for lack of control (DLOC) and lack of marketability (DLOM) are most commonly used, depending on the context (estate taxes, matrimonial divorce, dissenting shareholder appraisal, etc.) and the applicable standard of value (fair market

Judicial dissolution of a New York limited liability company (LLC) is governed by Section 702 of the LLC Law (LLCL), whereas judicial dissolution of a closely held business corporation is governed by Article 11 of the Business Corporation Law (BCL). Under Section 702, a court may order LLC dissolution “whenever it is not reasonably practicable