Advantage Solutions Inc. 10-Q

ITEM 1. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS We are involved in various legal matters that arise in the ordinary course of our business. Some of these legal matters purport or may be determined to be class and/or representative actions, or seek substantial damages or penalties. Some of these legal matters relate to disputes regarding acquisitions. In connection with certain of the below matters and other legal matters, we have accrued amounts that we believe are appropriate. There can be no assurance, however, that the below matters and other legal matters will not result in us having to make payments in excess of such accruals or that the below matters or other legal matters will not materially or adversely affect our business, financial position, results of operations, or cash flows. Commercial Matters We have been involved in various litigation matters and arbitrations with respect to commercial matters arising with clients, vendors and third-party sellers of businesses. We have retained outside counsel to represent us in these matters and we are vigorously defending our interests. Employment-Related Matters We have also been involved in various litigation, including purported class or representative actions with respect to matters arising under the U.S. Fair Labor Standards Act, California Labor Code and Private Attorneys General Act. Many involve allegations for allegedly failing to pay wages and/or overtime, failing to provide meal and rest breaks and failing to pay reporting time pay, waiting time penalties and other penalties. Legal Matters Related to Take 5 In April 2018, the Company acquired the business of Take 5 Media Group (“Take 5”). As a result of an investigation into that business in 2019 that identified certain misconduct, the Company terminated all operations of Take 5 in July 2019 and offered refunds to clients of collected revenues attributable to the period after the Company’s acquisition. The Company refers to the foregoing as the Take 5 Matter. The Company voluntarily disclosed to the United States Attorney’s Office and the Federal Bureau of Investigation certain misconduct occurring at Take 5. The Company intends to cooperate in this and any other governmental investigations that may arise in connection with the Take 5 Matter. In October 2022, an arbitrator made a final award in favor of the Company. The Company is actively pursuing the collection of this award. The Company is currently unable to estimate if or when it will be able to collect any amounts associated with this arbitration. The Take 5 Matter may result in additional litigation against the Company, including lawsuits from clients, or governmental investigations, which may expose the Company to potential liability in excess of the amounts being offered by the Company as refunds to Take 5 clients. The Company is currently unable to determine the amount of any potential liability, costs or expenses (above the amounts previously offered as refunds) that may result from any lawsuits or investigations associated with the Take 5 Matter or determine whether any such issues 40 will have any future material adverse effect on the Company’s financial position, liquidity, or results of operations. Although the Company has insurance covering certain liabilities, the Company cannot be certain that the insurance will be sufficient to cover any potential liability or expenses associated with the Take 5 Matter.