Strategic Value Partners Files 13D on First Foundation Inc.

TL;DR

**STRATEGIC VALUE PARTNERS NOW HAS A 13D FILING ON FIRST FOUNDATION INC. (FFWM).**

AI Summary

Strategic Value Bank Partners LLC, through its affiliate Strategic Value Investors, LP, has filed a Schedule 13D concerning First Foundation Inc. The filing, dated October 8, 2024, indicates a change in beneficial ownership. Ben Mackovak is listed as the authorized contact for Strategic Value Investors, LP, located in Cleveland, Ohio.

Why It Matters

This filing signals a significant stakeholder's increased attention or potential influence over First Foundation Inc., which could impact the company's strategic direction or stock performance.

Risk Assessment

Risk Level: medium — Schedule 13D filings often precede activist campaigns or significant strategic shifts, introducing uncertainty for investors.

Key Players & Entities

• Strategic Value Bank Partners LLC (company) — Filing entity
• First Foundation Inc. (company) — Subject company
• Strategic Value Investors, LP (company) — Affiliate filing the statement
• Ben Mackovak (person) — Authorized contact

FAQ

Key Financial Figures

• $0.001 — on Inc. (Name of Issuer) Common Stock, $0.001 Par Value (Title of Class of Securities
• $38,415,897 — Issuer acquired at an aggregate cost of $38,415,897. The shares were purchased with working
• $4.10 — mmon Stock (Common Stock) at a price of $4.10 per share and (ii) 3,870 shares of the
• $4,100 — Preferred Stock)at a purchase price of $4,100 per Share. The aggregate purchase price
• $22,229,630 — Share. The aggregate purchase price was $22,229,630. In addition, Strategic Value Investors
• $5,125 — r value $0.001 per share, at a price of $5,125 per share, subject to adjustment, and e

Filing Documents

• svbpsch13d.htm (SC 13D) — 13KB
• svbpsch13d7_1.htm (EX-1) — 1KB
• svbp_invstagmt.htm (EX-2) — 476KB
• 0001904067-24-000003.txt ( ) — 492KB

SECURITY AND ISSUER

ITEM 1. SECURITY AND ISSUER: This statement relates to the common stock, (Common Stock), of First Foundation Inc. (the Issuer). The address of the principal executive offices of the Issuer is 200 Crescent Court, Suite 1400, Dallas, Texas 75201.

IDENTITY AND BACKGROUND

ITEM 2. IDENTITY AND BACKGROUND: (a) This Schedule 13D is being filed jointly by (1) Strategic Value Investors, LP, a Delaware limited partnership; (2) Strategic Value Bank Partners, LLC, an Ohio limited liability company and registered investment adviser (Strategic Value Bank Partners); (3) Ben Mackovak, a managing member of Strategic Value Bank Partners; and (4) Marty Adams, a managing member of Strategic Value Bank Partners, (collectively (1-4) the Reporting Persons). The joint filing agreement of the Reporting Persons is attached as Exhibit 1 to this Schedule 13D. (b) The principal business address of the Reporting Persons is 127 Public Square, Suite 1510, Cleveland, Ohio 44114. (c) The principal business of Strategic Value Bank Partners is to serve as an investment manager or adviser to various investment partnerships, funds, and managed accounts (collectively, the Clients). The principal occupation of Messrs. Mackovak and Adams is investment management through their ownership and control over the affairs of Strategic Value Bank Partners. Strategic Value Bank Partners has voting and dispositive power over the Common Stock held by the Clients. (d) During the last five years, none of the Reporting Persons have been convicted in a criminal proceeding (excluding traffic violations or similar misdemeanors). (e) During the last five years, none of the Reporting Persons have been a party to a civil proceeding of a judicial or administrative body of competent jurisdiction and, as a result of such proceeding, were or are subject to a judgment, decree or final order enjoining future violations of, or prohibiting or mandating activities subject to, federal or state securities laws or finding any violation with respect to such laws. (f) Mr. Mackovak and Mr. Adams are citizens of the United States of America.

SOURCE AND AMOUNT OF FUNDS OR OTHER CONSIDERATION

ITEM 3. SOURCE AND AMOUNT OF FUNDS OR OTHER CONSIDERATION: In aggregate the Reporting Persons have voting and dispositive power over 6,768,343 shares of Common Stock of the Issuer acquired at an aggregate cost of $38,415,897. The shares were purchased with working capital.

PURPOSE OF TRANSACTION

ITEM 4. PURPOSE OF TRANSACTION: The Reporting Persons acquired the Common Stock reported on this Schedule 13D for investment purposes. The Reporting Persons purchased the shares based on the belief that the shares, at the time of purchase, were undervalued and represented an attractive investment opportunity in accordance with their investment strategy. The Reporting Persons believe significant opportunity exists to enhance shareholder value by repositioning the balance sheet, improving operations, and evaluating strategic alternatives. Under the Investment Agreement (the Agreement), and subject to the terms and conditions set forth therein, the Issuer agreed, among other things, that its Board of Directors will appoint an Investor Director of Strategic Value Investors, LP to serve as a Director of the Issuer. On September 3, 2024, Mr. Mackovak was appointed to the Board of Directors of the Issuer. The agreement is attached as Exhibit 2 to this Schedule 13D. On July 8, 2024, pursuant to the Agreement, dated as of July 2, 2024, by and among the Company, and Strategic Value Investors, LP, Strategic Value Investors, LP purchased (i) 1,551,861 shares of the Company Common Stock (Common Stock) at a price of $4.10 per share and (ii) 3,870 shares of the Company Series B noncumulative convertible preferred stock (Series B Preferred Stock)at a purchase price of $4,100 per Share. The aggregate purchase price was $22,229,630. In addition, Strategic Value Investors, LP was also issued warrants to purchase 2,168 shares of non-voting Series C Preferred Stock, par value $0.001 per share, at a price of $5,125 per share, subject to adjustment, and expires on July 8, 2031. Each share of Series C Preferred Stock will convert into 1,000 shares of Common Stock upon a Reg Y Transfer in accordance with the terms of the Warrant Agreement entered into between the Company and Strategic Value Investors, LP. These purchases were completed in connection with the Issuers July 2024 capital rais

INTEREST IN SECURITIES OF THE ISSUER

ITEM 5. INTEREST IN SECURITIES OF THE ISSUER: As of the date of this Schedule 13D, the Reporting Persons held in aggregate 6,768,343 shares of Common Stock of the Issuer, which represents 8.219% of the outstanding Common Stock. The percentages used in this Schedule 13D are calculated based upon 82,345,084 outstanding shares of Common Stock as of October 2, 2024. This amount is based upon the number of outstanding shares of Common Stock reported as of October 2, 2024, referenced in the Issuer's Current Report on Form 8-k filed on October 3, 2024, to account for conversion of the Series B Preferred Stock into Common Stock. The Series B Preferred Stock was issued in connection with the July 2024 capital raise and was converted into shares of Common Stock on October 2, 2024 following the Special Meeting of Stockholders on September 30, 2024. Each of the Reporting Persons shares voting and dispositive power over the Shares of Common Stock held by the Clients. Strategic Value Bank Partners on behalf of the Clients has made no purchases or sales of Common Stock during the past 60 days. Excludes Series C Warrant. From and after January 5, 2025, the warrant is exercisable to purchase 2,168 shares of non-voting Series C Preferred Stock, par value $0.001 per share, at a price of $5,125 per share, subject to adjustment, and expires on July 8, 2031. Subject to approval by the stockholders of the Company, each share of Series C Preferred Stock will convert into 1,000 shares of Common Stock upon a Reg Y Transfer. No person other than the Reporting Persons is known to have the right to receive, or the power to direct the receipt of dividends from, or proceeds from the sale of, the Common Stock.

CONTRACTS, ARRANGEMENTS, UNDERSTANDINGS OR RELATIONSHIPS WITH RESPECT TO SECURITIES OF THE ISSUER

ITEM 6. CONTRACTS, ARRANGEMENTS, UNDERSTANDINGS OR RELATIONSHIPS WITH RESPECT TO SECURITIES OF THE ISSUER: Mr. Mackovak is a non-employee director on the Board of Directors of the Issuer. Other than the foregoing relationships and arrangements, the relationship between Mr. Mackovak and the Issuer, the Joint Filing Agreement filed as Exhibit 1 to this Schedule 13D, and the Investment Agreement filed as Exhibit 2 to this Schedule 13D, there are no contracts, arrangements, understandings or relationships among the persons named in Item 2 hereof and between such persons and any persons with respect to any securities of the Issuer.

MATERIALS TO BE FILES AS EXHIBITS

ITEM 7. MATERIALS TO BE FILES AS EXHIBITS: Exhibit 1 - Joint Filing Agreement Exhibit 2 - Investment Agreement SIGNATURE After reasonable inquiry and to the best of my knowledge and belief, I certify that the information set forth in this statement is true, complete and correct. October 8, 2024 Strategic Value Investors, LP By: /s/ Ben Mackovak Name: Ben Mackovak Title: Managing Member October 8, 2024 Marty Adams By: /s/ Marty Adams Name: Marty Adams Title: Managing Member October 8, 2024 Ben Mackovak By: /s/Ben Mackovak Name: Ben Mackovak Title: Managing Member October 8, 2024 Strategic Value Bank Partners LLC By: /s/Ben Mackovak Name: Ben Mackovak Title: Managing Member Attention - Intentional misstatements or omissions of fact constitute Federal criminal violations (See 18 U.S.C. 1001).

View Full Filing

View this SC 13D filing on SEC EDGAR