Deloitte Financial Advisory Services (Deloitte FAS) is expanding its advisory services practice to include the delivery of fairness opinions to assist in evaluating the terms of proposed mergers and acquisitions or other transactions.

Deloitte FAS professionals claims access to 150,000 professionals in more than 140 countries throughout the Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu (Swiss Verein) network, enabling Deloitte FAS to offer specialised resources, including fairness opinions.

‘The accelerated rate, complexity and global nature of today's deals require professional service firms with deep industry knowledge, a broad experience base, and the ability to access global resources,’ Chris Ruggeri, Deloitte FAS US M&A leader, said. ‘We have the ability to access consulting, tax, and audit professionals worldwide – not many financial advisors can leverage such a vast array of skills.’

In relation to the newly effective (December 8, 2007) FINRA Rule 2290, Ruggeri noted that, ‘as part of a Big 4 professional services organisation, Deloitte FAS well understands the value of providing independent and well documented services.’

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