KSV Joins AlixPartners: Bobby Kofman on What It Means for Canada

One of the most significant transactions in Canadian restructuring history is about to close. KSV Advisory, the Toronto and Calgary-based boutique that has become a fixture on some of the country's highest-profile insolvency mandates, has agreed to be acquired by AlixPartners, the global consulting firm with offices in more than 20 cities worldwide. For a firm that went independent just over a decade ago and built its reputation on the strength of its people and relationships, it is a milestone worth understanding. We sat down with KSV Co-Founder Bobby Kofman to get his perspective on the deal, what it means for clients, and what comes next.

1. KSV went independent in 2015 and built one of the most respected practices in Canada on its own terms. What did that chapter prove, and what made joining a global platform the right next move?

The firm’s roots pre-date KSV. The KSV team has always been mindful of its past from its days as the original Richter Toronto practice, and that DNA exists to this day. The Toronto practice started with Peter Farkas and Robert Harlang, who both still come into the office and contribute to the business. Our short experience at Duff & Phelps gave David Sieradzki, Mitch Vininsky and me the confidence to take a shot at starting KSV. We have been fortunate that we have always been well supported by the restructuring community, and we, with Noah Goldstein, and our Calgary team, were able to take advantage of that support to grow the practice exponentially, both in terms of number of mandates and mandate scale. We did that based on personal goodwill, and an extraordinary group of dedicated associates who clearly work hard but enjoy growing with the organization and participating in its success. Alix provides us the one thing that we have never had, a leading global brand in advisory and restructuring. Leveraging Alix’s deep industry expertise, resources, and relationships, presents even greater growth opportunities for our team, and allows us to broaden our service offering.

2. Joining a firm with AlixPartners' global reach brings obvious resources and capabilities. How do you see that expanding what KSV can offer, and does it change the nature or scale of mandates you can take on? What can existing clients expect?

One of the things I’ve enjoyed about our practice (regardless of its incarnation) is that it can manage files of any size. Canada is largely a middle market economy and our firm executed well and efficiently on those mandates. We don’t intend to abandon the things that made us successful. We recognize, however, that there is a perception that KSV does not have the resources to tackle the largest national or international mandates, notwithstanding the experience and capabilities of our team. There is no question that the acquisition of the practice by Alix should put that perception to rest. The ability of the KSV team to draw on Alix’s resources, expertise and experience in file execution, is a game-changer for the practice.

3. This brings together two distinct teams and cultures. How do you think about building a cohesive practice from here, and what does that look like for the people who built KSV with you?

As a very busy boutique practice, KSV can be a demanding environment. Notwithstanding that, the core of the KSV team goes back 20 and 30 years, and more. Our team recognizes the importance of our history and culture – and we speak of it often. There are many, many deep personal relationships, new and old. It is critical to me that our culture continue, because a team-oriented, cohesive environment has been a key to our success.

A significant number of the leadership of the Alix restructuring practice came out of a firm named Zolfo Cooper, which was a leading US boutique restructuring practice when it was acquired by Alix. It resonated with them during the courting stage when we spoke about the importance of our culture. Given those discussions, I am confident that our culture will continue, and be respected, while taking advantage of Alix’s processes, resources and brand. They get it.

4. AlixPartners described this as a timely move given increasing global volatility. From where you sit, what are the stresses building in the Canadian market that made this the right moment?

This was the right time for KSV and Alix to transact. We have been extremely busy, and we think with tariff and interest rate uncertainty, and geopolitical tensions, that is unlikely to change for the foreseeable future.

5. How do you see your role evolving from here, and is there broader ambition beyond Toronto and Calgary, whether new cities, new capabilities, or new parts of the market?

I remain very involved in the practice. My role is changing from KSV’s President to a Senior Advisor, and I will be a member of the board of the Canadian practice. I have several projects that will last for years. I intend to continue to take on new mandates and will be as involved in those as I am today. I intend to work closely with the Alix team to grow the business across the country, both in restructuring and other service lines. Anyone who really knows me, understands how important the KSV team is to me. I am committed to the team and to the success of the transaction.

I am hopeful that the entire KSV team is proud to have contributed to the success that made KSV an attractive target for a firm like Alix. It was a team effort. We will endeavour to thoughtfully grow the business.

The closing of the transaction is anticipated on or around June 1, 2026, at which point the KSV team will operate under the AlixPartners brand. For the Canadian restructuring market, it marks the arrival of a global firm with genuine local roots, something the market has not seen before at this scale.