Perhaps it was fitting that in a year where the UK voted to withdraw from the EU and the US has witnessed the most inexplicable presidential campaign in memory that the Chicago Cubs would finally win the World Series. (As Bill Murray says in Ghostbusters: "what comes next? Dogs and cats living together?") The Cubs overcame the Maddon-ness of King Joe (some questionable decisions by skipper Joe Maddon) to finally end the 108-year drought. So after all that, what could be...

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The third quarter of 2016 featured the reversal of several trends seen earlier in the year, most notably in pre-money valuations, which increased substantially for all rounds. The gain in pre-money valuations also drove a decline in the percentage of down rounds for the quarter, which fell to 9%, the lowest share in more than a year and far below the five-year median (from Q4 2011 through Q3 2016) of 16%. If these strong valuations continue through the fourth...

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The USD showed a firm tone through October as the market steadily priced in a higher probability of a Fed rate hike by the end of the year and the market assessment of the chances of a Trump presidential victory also gradually declined (though this was seen as positive for the MXN). GBP remained weak through the month, suffering a massive “flash crash” in early Asian trading on October 7 in just a few minutes. The US election will...

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At Prestige Capital, we've applied our simple, straightforward financing philosophy to online video learning. We just launched our “How Factoring Works” video on our website. It explains how factoring works to smooth out your cash flow, and how Prestige in particular can benefit your client’s business. The keys you need to know are all in this fast minute and a half, easy-to-follow video. Check it out, we think you’ll find it helpful. Then bookmark the video library page and visit often –...

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Importers of leather handbags may have the opportunity to reduce their duty rate on some styles by more than half by reclassifying their products. The Harmonized Tariff Schedule distinguishes between leather handbags (dutiable at a rate of 9% ad valorem) and tote bags (4.5% ad valorem).  U.S. Customs has outlined certain distinguishing criteria between the two types of bags, such as carrying capacity and size.  A bag may meet the tote bag criteria even if it still enjoys other traditional...

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Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati and leading UK VC firm Notion Capital have teamed up on a blog to offer their perspectives on transatlantic VC investment and considerations for UK and other non-US companies looking to raise VC funding from US investors. Check out the full series here. Non-US entrepreneurs often ask us about navigating the hodgepodge of local, state and federal laws, and regulations comprising the US tax and regulatory regime. The interplay among these various rules is very different from the...

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The rapid growth of oil & gas production in North America from 2009 to 2014 spurred a cycle of historic demand for midstream infrastructure in the form of gathering, transportation, and processing. However, midstream segment economics are under increased pressure given the current climate of sustained depressed prices and limited exploration activity. Most of the midstream contracts were negotiated at a time when crude oil prices were at all-time highs and exploration budgets were relatively unlimited. To maximize value and enhance returns,...

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Bank share prices rose again as economic data and market activity bolstered expectations for a Fed rate increase. Initial estimates for Q3 GDP came in above expectations, fueling an increase in bond yields. The 10-year Treasury yield rose 11 basis points to 1.845%, while the broader stock market fell. Regional bank shares rose 1.8% for the week, while the largest banks’ shares rose a smaller 0.9%. Banks have had a good run recently, with banks’ shares advancing 4.9% and 6.4%...

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Employers who rely heavily on independent contractors or temporary workers should take note: “Gig” economy companies are now a priority of the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). The EEOC recently approved its Strategic Enforcement Plan (SEP) for fiscal years 2017 –2021, updating and identifying areas of priority for the agency. In particular, the EEOC is interested in “larifying the employment relationship and the application of workplace civil rights protections in light of the increasing complexity of employment relationships and...

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2016 has been dominated by the UK’s decision to leave the European Union. With this in mind, our latest survey of senior Europe-based executives was taken once before the 23 June, and then again with the same participants in the months after the Brexit vote. The result is a unique contrast of expectations for European M&A pre- and post-referendum, as corporates and private equity firms wrestle with its consequences for their businesses and dealmaking prospects. The results show that, in...

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