Potential Merger & Cost Synergy Analysis Discussion

February 26, 2026 at 12:01 PM|67 min|Patrick Lawlar, James Adcock, Stefanie Bourne, JD Busfield, James Adcock, Sean Griffin
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Bottom Line

Avon and HPP teams discussed a potential merger of their operations, focusing on a detailed financial model showing significant cost synergies and a proposed 721 tax-free reorganization structure. The key unresolved issue is assigning valuation and ownership percentages based on asset contributions.

Key Takeaways

Financial Model:: A combined entity could achieve ~$15M in payroll savings (headcount from 316 to 177) and $0.8-$1.2M in insurance savings, projecting $8M EBITDA in 2026.

Proposed Structure:: The transaction is envisioned as a 721 tax-free reorganization, contributing assets/operations into a new clean entity to limit successor liability.

Union Considerations:: Significant headcount savings are modeled as duplicative role elimination; union CBA treatment remains a complex diligence item with potential upside.

Atlanta/TR Status:: The Atlanta operation (TR) is presented as a 'toggle' option, with its inclusion dependent on further analysis of synergy vs. obligation.

Decisions Made

• Decision to wind down New Mexico operations — decided by Speaker E

Action Items
Send over the financial model and presentation materials shared during the call for HPP team review. — JD Bs / Avon Team
Follow up via email with detailed questions reconciling lease schedules, payroll details, and debt overview (investor lines of credit). — Ste
Schedule a follow-up meeting to discuss valuation methodology, ownership percentages, and the summary term sheet framework. — Ste
Collaboratively analyze combined sales structure and identify potential savings beyond the ops/fleet focus in the initial model. — Sean / JD Bs
Provide more detailed personnel information for a deeper analysis of duplicative roles and true payroll synergy potential. — Ste / HPP Team
Decisions
Wind down the New Mexico operation, list the property for sale. — Speaker E
Topics
Merger Financial Model Cost Synergies & Headcount Transaction Structure (721 Reorg) Union Agreement Diligence Atlanta Operation Strategy Lease & P&L Reconciliation Valuation & Ownership Framework

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