DALLAS (March 24, 2010) - Barrier Advisors, a nationally recognized middle-market restructuring, operations improvement and special situations investment banking firm, announces that Jeff Jones has been awarded the Certification in Distressed Business Valuation (CDBV) designation.

The Certification in Distressed Business Valuation is a unique valuation program for professionals that work with distressed and/or bankrupt companies. Sponsored by the Association of Insolvency & Restructuring Advisors, AIRA is a nationwide organization dedicated to serving the needs of business turnaround, restructuring and bankruptcy practitioners. AIRA sponsors a number of events and publications that offer continuing education for their members including the Certified Insolvency and Restructuring Advisor (CIRA) course and the CDBV program.

A three-part program, the CDBV course is designed to train and accredit professionals that work with distressed assets. Part 1 of the course is devoted to helping candidates understand the bankruptcy code and its impact on the valuation of distressed businesses. Part 2 of the course emphasizes a thorough knowledge of valuation concepts and principles, and Part 3 helps candidates apply these concepts to the valuation of distressed debt and businesses - including chapter 11 liquidation proceedings.

"Barrier Advisors is committed to ensuring that all members of our staff have the highest level of training and education available in the restructuring field," said Kent Laber, senior managing director of Barrier Advisors. "With more than 20 years of experience in restructuring and investment banking, Jeff is one of the few professionals in our industry who has the skill, training and experience needed to pass this demanding program."

"While many have completed the coursework for the CDBV designation, Jeff Jones is only the 83rd person to receive this designation," said Grant Newton, executive director of the Association of Insolvency & Restructuring Advisors. "This designation signifies that Mr. Jones has met or exceeded all requirements for the CDBV, including successful completion of a comprehensive course of study and rigorous examination process, demonstration of significant valuation experience, and documentation of exemplary professional character."

"The AIRA Board of Directors congratulates Mr. Jones upon his achievement, and welcomes him into the ranks of the most respected practitioners in distressed business valuation," he added.

download (pdf 54k)