SHANNON P. PRATT, CFA, FASA, MCBA, is a founder and Managing Director of Willamette Management Associates, one of the oldest and largest independent valuation consulting, economic analysis, and financial advisory firms, with offices in principal cities across the United States. Over a distinguished career of more than three decades, he has performed valuation engagements for M&As, ESOPs, and numerous other purposes. He has testified in a wide variety of federal and state courts across the country and frequently participates in arbitration and mediation proceedings. Dr. Pratt is one of the most successful and respected authors in his field. He is coauthor of several industry standards, including Valuing a Business: the Analysis and Appraisal of Closely Held Companies and Valuing Small Businesses and Professional Practices. He is also Editor-in-Chief of Shannon Pratt's Business Valuation Updates, the primary monthly newsletter in the field of business valuation.