A group of hotel and casino industry executives led by company founder and principal Robert M. La Forgia announce the launch of Apertor Hospitality LLC, an asset management and advisory firm serving the hospitality and gaming industries with a team of industry professionals based throughout the United States.

Highly relevant to today’s rapidly evolving economy, Apertor offers a full complement of advisory services tailored to existing owners, investors and lenders with exposure to financially struggling hotels and casinos, as well as to new entrants looking to take advantage of current market conditions. Comprised of proven industry veterans and leaders, the dedicated team offers customized strategies designed to enhance and optimize asset value and investment returns for their clients.

“Uniting such a knowledgeable and battle-proven team of industry professionals from hotel and gaming operations, revenue management and distribution systems, marketing, finance, mergers and acquisitions, real estate, construction, legal and government affairs is very timely and represents a unique marriage of experts suited to help clients maximize the potential of their investments,” said La Forgia. “Among many other specialists on our team, industry leaders such as Carlos Garcia, principal, and Bill Sherlock, John Mazzoni, Greg Cross, K. Allen Anderson and Tony Santo, senior advisors, enable Apertor to provide a multi-disciplinary and all-encompassing approach to short- and long-term value enhancement.

“With the current magnitude of economic challenge, a hotel or casino asset stands a much stronger chance of success if it engages a highly specialized asset management or advisory team with the depth of experience to uncover opportunities to maximize cash flow and deliver actionable solutions promptly,” continued La Forgia.

Emphasizing hands-on executive, managerial, operating and transactional experience in the hotel and casino industries, the diverse and highly engaged team at Apertor offers the complete spectrum of services, including:Rapid Assessment - Conduct intensive review of operations within a one- to two-week period to support expeditious decision-making and value creation;Asset Management - Provide oversight of daily operations with the goal of increasing return on investment and asset value through effective revenue maximization and cost reduction strategies;Creditor Advisory - Perform rapid assessment of a troubled asset including analysis and achievability of business plans and cash-flow projections and provide advice on restructuring alternatives;Transaction Due Diligence - Perform a top-down review of an asset including validation of assets and liabilities, historical operations and projections, capital expenditure programs, market positioning and penetration, and opportunities for value enhancement;Turnaround and Restructuring - Function as chief restructuring officer or asset manager and identify opportunities to maximize cash flow, minimize holding costs and restructure the balance sheet;Litigation Support and Expert Witness Testimony - Assist in each stage of a litigation process, including document discovery and analysis and quantification of risk exposure;Operational Auditing - Review and challenge all aspects of operations, including business plan and projections, analysis of all revenue and cost centers, assessment of physical plant, and identification of performance improvement opportunities;Design, Architecture and Construction - Provide a full complement of services from physical plant reviews to management of both renovation and new construction projects;Opinion of Value - Provide valuation based on a realistic projection of cash flows and what an asset may be worth to potential investors.

Apertor can expertly advise on the entire continuum in the life cycle of a hotel or casino asset, whether a new development, under construction or a mature operation. Its proactive services are essential to strengthening asset performance in any economic climate.