James Drybanski is a Denver, Colorado-based valuation expert with two decades of experience in providing comprehensive valuation services. He joined Plante Moran as a partner in 2018, where he leads a broad range of client engagements. His responsibilities span client relationship management, valuation and analysis reporting, audit support, tax planning and compliance, and advanced financial analysis and modeling.
Mr. Drybanski specializes in the valuation of privately held business interests, derivatives, contingent payments, debt securities, intangible assets, restricted stock, profit units, and structured debt and equity instruments. His expertise is instrumental in supporting financial audits, enabling accounting teams to focus on critical Fair Value priorities. In addition to audit support, he provides valuation services that underpin estate tax planning and the valuation of gifts of privately held business interests. He also collaborates with team to facilitate the understanding of tax implications of corporate restructuring and the cross-border transfer of intangible assets.
Working closely with tax professionals, Mr. Drybanski assists in reconciling realized capital gains or income from complex transactions, ensuring clients meet their tax filing obligations. He further facilitates shareholder buy-outs and buy-ins, establishing valuations that inform structuring decisions and address key tax considerations.
Active in the professional community, Mr. Drybanski is a member of the CFA Society of Colorado, the Rocky Mountain Estate Planning Council, and the Association for Corporate Growth Denver. He holds a bachelor's degree in economics from the University of Colorado and has earned the right to use the CFA designation issued by the CFA Institute.