Gary Levy, CPA, is a Partner & National Hospitality Industry Practice Director for Cohn Reznick. Gary specializes in providing innovative financial advice to the hospitality industry, advising over 500 operators throughout the country, including many premier restaurateurs and celebrity chefs in the United States. Gary has implemented financial controls and programs to assist troubled companies with operating profitably. He works with clients to structure their companies for growth and potential acquisition. Gary leverages his good relationships with Private Equity companies and Venture Capital groups to assist operators in buying, selling, merging, and valuing their companies. He has participated in the negotiations for numerous joint ventures and partnerships with major hotel and restaurant chains.
Gary established a division within Cohn Reznick's Hospitality Industry Practice that specializes in performing cost segregation studies for restaurants and hotels. The studies focus on maximizing depreciation deductions for tax purposes. Several large restaurant companies have worked with Gary in conducting these studies and have reaped savings ranging from $50,000 to $2.5 million per unit.
As a trusted advisor and recognized industry expert, Gary has implemented best practices and policies for financial controls and procedures. His experience in negotiations with strategic buyers, private equity firms, and lending institutions, as well as the IRS and creditors, has resulted in increased value for his clients. He has assisted companies in restructuring debt and raising capital, overseen the investigation of misappropriations, and renegotiated deal terms, lease negotiations, and valuations.