Close · Precision Manufacturing

338(h)(10) Elections for Precision Manufacturing Independent Sponsors

Independent sponsor counsel for precision manufacturing, focused on 338(h)(10) Elections and the deal mechanics that protect sponsor economics and LP alignment.

EV range $10M to $150M EV EBITDA $2.5M to $25M Audience Buy-side / Sponsor
The deal context

338(h)(10) Elections on precision manufacturing deals is one of those workstreams that looks routine on a checklist and decides outcomes in practice.

The typical precision manufacturing platform sits at $10M to $150M EV with EBITDA in the $2.5M to $25M range. The thesis runs on platform plus tuck-in machine shops or aerospace-qualified shops. Most precision manufacturing sellers will not sign an LOI without a known capital partner already named.

The moves

How 338(h)(10) Elections actually gets structured.

  1. Run a side-by-side tax model showing the seller's grossed-up purchase price requirement.

  2. Document the election in the purchase agreement, with required IRS forms attached.

  3. Confirm the seller's eligibility, including the consolidated group structure.

  4. Plan the tax gross-up payment, often funded out of the buyer's price.

  5. In precision manufacturing, layer in AS9100 succession plan as a closing condition as part of the 338(h)(10) Elections workstream.

The common mistake

Demanding a 338(h)(10) without offering the seller a tax gross-up. The election only works if the math works for the seller too.

Jason's take
"338(h)(10) is a buyer benefit you have to pay for. Price it into the LOI, not the surprise column."
Jason Powell · 338(h)(10) Elections
Capital after close

The deal is one thing. The capital that opens up after close is another.

After close, the call list for refinancing, recapitalization, and growth equity gets short and known. Jason carries that list.

MONTH 18
Senior refi
MONTH 24
Dividend recap
MONTH 36
Growth equity
YEAR 4–5
Strategic exit
ENGAGE THE PRACTICE

338(h)(10) Elections for Precision Manufacturing, on independent sponsor terms.

Independent sponsor counsel that already speaks fluent deal-by-deal economics, structures clean LPAs, and travels with capital markets relationships for what comes after close.