Duff & Phelps, Now Kroll: A Legacy in Valuation and Risk

Duff & Phelps, a name synonymous with valuation and corporate finance advisory services for decades, has evolved. Acquired by Stone Point Capital in 2020, the firm rebranded as Kroll in 2021, marking a significant shift while retaining its core expertise.

Historically, Duff & Phelps built a reputation as a premier provider of independent opinions and advice in areas critical to financial decision-making. Their services spanned a wide range of industries and situations, making them a go-to firm for companies, private equity firms, law firms, and governmental entities.

A cornerstone of Duff & Phelps’ offering was valuation services. This included fairness opinions, solvency opinions, purchase price allocations, and valuations for tax and financial reporting purposes. These services were crucial in mergers and acquisitions, restructurings, and compliance with accounting standards. Their rigorous methodologies and deep industry knowledge ensured the objectivity and accuracy required in these high-stakes scenarios.

Beyond valuation, Duff & Phelps offered extensive corporate finance advisory services. This encompassed M&A advisory, restructuring advisory, and capital raising. Their experienced professionals provided strategic guidance and execution support throughout the transaction lifecycle, helping clients navigate complex deals and maximize value. Their M&A advisory services included buy-side and sell-side representation, while their restructuring advisory helped distressed companies develop and implement turnaround strategies.

Another significant area of expertise was dispute consulting. Duff & Phelps provided expert witness testimony, forensic accounting, and litigation support in a variety of legal and regulatory proceedings. Their consultants possessed specialized knowledge in areas such as intellectual property valuation, economic damages analysis, and fraud investigations.

The transition to Kroll reflected a strategic broadening of its service offerings, with a stronger emphasis on risk management, compliance, and cyber security. While the Duff & Phelps name disappeared, the legacy of its valuation and corporate finance expertise lives on within Kroll. Many of the professionals who contributed to Duff & Phelps’ success continue to serve clients under the Kroll banner, applying the same rigorous methodologies and industry knowledge to a wider array of challenges.

Though the name has changed, the core principles of independence, objectivity, and deep industry expertise that defined Duff & Phelps remain integral to Kroll’s valuation and related advisory services. The firm continues to be a trusted advisor to organizations navigating complex financial and regulatory landscapes.