Firm recognized for participation in sale of Rockport to Authentic Brands Group

PKF Clear Thinking, the award-winning business advisory firm and subsidiary of PKF O’Connor Davies, one of the nation’s largest accounting, tax and advisory practices, is proud to announce that it has been awarded the “Section 363 Sale of the Year ($50MM to $100MM)” by the 18^th Annual Turnaround Awards for its contribution to the sale of Rockport to Authentic Brands Group. Organized by The M&A Advisor, the awards recognize the leading distressed transactions, restructuring and refinancing deals, products and services, firms and professionals in the United States and international markets.

“We’re extremely proud to receive this honor, especially alongside so many other standout firms and professionals who are doing transformative M&A work,” said Joseph Marchese, Partner at PKF Clear Thinking. “This achievement is a testament to our individualized approach, industry-focused expertise, and commitment to consistent, senior-level representation that remain fundamental to all our financial restructuring and bankruptcy advisory engagements.”

PKF Clear Thinking’s engagement with the sale began in June 2023, when Marchese was appointed Chief Restructuring Officer of The Rockport Company, LLC. With the support of Michael Wesley, Partner at PKF Clear Thinking, and Jackie Reinhard, Partner at PKF O’Connor Davies, PKF Clear Thinking supported the global footwear brand as it began voluntary proceedings under Chapter 11 of the United States Bankruptcy Code in the District of Delaware. PKF Clear Thinking shares the “Section 363 Sale of the Year” award with a number of other contributors to the transaction, including Miller Buckfire & Co.; Authentic Brands Group; DLA Piper; Marc Fisher Footwear; Potter Anderson & Corroon, LLP; and Ropes & Gray, LLP.

This year, Turnaround Award nominations representing over 250 participating companies were received and judged by an independent panel of industry experts. The awards were presented during the 2024 Distressed Investing Summit, which was held March 18-19, 2024, in Palm Beach, Florida.