MRO Americas 2025: Engaging with Alderman & Company

The MRO Americas conference, held April 8-10, 2025, at the Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta, GA, was a dynamic platform for the aviation maintenance, repair, and overhaul industry. At WTP Advisors, we—Brian Schwam and Jim Fyrie were thrilled to attend this leading event, connecting with industry experts and sharing our specialized services in Transfer Pricing and IC-DISC. One of our most thought-provoking interactions was with William Alderman, Founding Partner of Alderman & Company, an aerospace and defense M&A advisory firm since 2001.

Alderman & Company, based in Ormond Beach, FL, caught our attention at MRO Americas. William Alderman shared insights into their work facilitating mergers and acquisitions for aviation businesses. Jim Fyrie kicked off our conversation, introducing WTP Advisors’ expertise in Transfer Pricing, which helps firms like Alderman & Company manage the financial intricacies of cross-border transactions during M&A deals. These transactions can include but are not limited to, intercompany sales of goods, services, and intellectual property; financing arrangements between related parties; and cost-sharing arrangements.

William explained that Alderman & Company often works with clients expanding internationally, where valuation and compliance can be challenging. This aligned perfectly with our Transfer Pricing solutions, as Brian Schwam elaborated. Transfer Pricing ensures that intercompany transactions—common in M&A scenarios—are priced appropriately, maintaining compliance with global tax regulations while optimizing financial outcomes. This is crucial because tax authorities in different countries have varying rules and regulations regarding the pricing of intercompany transactions.

We discussed how Transfer Pricing ensures that intercompany transactions—common in M&A scenarios—are priced appropriately, maintaining compliance with global tax regulations while optimizing financial outcomes. Without proper Transfer Pricing, companies risk facing audits, penalties, and disputes with tax authorities, which can be costly and time-consuming. William appreciated the relevance of Transfer Pricing to their clients, noting that many of their deals involve complex international structures. He acknowledged that navigating the complexities of Transfer Pricing can be a challenge for businesses without the necessary expertise.

Our conversation then shifted to tax strategies, where WTP Advisors’ IC-DISC services came into play. Jim Fyrie explained how an IC-DISC (Interest Charge-Domestic International Sales Corporation) can help companies reduce their tax burden on export income. Essentially, an IC-DISC allows qualifying companies to receive a tax deduction on a portion of their export profits, which can result in significant tax savings. For Alderman & Company’s clients in the aerospace sector, many of whom export products or services, an IC-DISC could unlock significant tax savings, providing more capital for growth or acquisitions. By reducing their tax burden, companies can free up cash flow that can be used to fund research and development, expand into new markets, or acquire other businesses. William was intrigued, recognizing the potential for their clients to leverage IC-DISC as part of a broader financial strategy during M&A activities. He acknowledged that many of their clients could benefit from the tax savings provided by an IC-DISC and expressed interest in learning more about how to implement this strategy.

At MRO Americas, we also explored the broader trends in aerospace M&A, such as consolidation and global expansion. William shared that Alderman & Company often advises clients on navigating these trends, where financial clarity is critical. Financial clarity is essential in M&A transactions because it allows buyers and sellers to accurately assess the value of a target company and make informed decisions about the deal. Without financial clarity, there is a risk of overpaying for a target company or failing to realize the full value of the deal. Brian Schwam highlighted how our Transfer Pricing expertise could support these efforts by ensuring that newly merged entities align their pricing strategies with global regulations, reducing risks and enhancing efficiency. This is important because when two companies merge, they often have different Transfer Pricing policies. Aligning these policies is essential to ensure compliance with tax regulations and avoid disputes with tax authorities. This resonated with William, who saw the value in partnering with a firm like WTP Advisors to complement their advisory services. He acknowledged that WTP Advisors’ expertise in Transfer Pricing could help their clients navigate the complexities of M&A transactions and achieve a successful outcome.

The Atlanta conference provided the perfect setting for this exchange, fostering connections that could lead to impactful collaborations. We discussed how Alderman & Company’s focus on aerospace and defense aligns with the needs of many WTP Advisors’ clients, creating opportunities for mutual growth. William’s insights into the M&A landscape reinforced the importance of financial tools like Transfer Pricing and IC-DISC in driving successful outcomes. These tools can help companies optimize their financial performance, reduce their tax burden, and achieve their strategic objectives.

Reflecting on our time at MRO Americas, we’re excited about the potential to work with Alderman & Company, supporting their clients with our expertise. At WTP Advisors, we’re dedicated to helping businesses in the aviation industry achieve financial success through services like Transfer Pricing and IC-DISC. For more on how we can assist, visit www.wtpadvisors.com