CFO.com Reports on Lawsuit by Former AmeriTex CFO Against CBIZ
March 30, 2026 – CFO.com reports today on major developments in the case by Brewer client and former AmeriTex CFO Chris Podlasek against CBIZ (formerly Marcum). As reported, the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas recently denied a motion by CBIZ to halt the case, clearing the path for the matter to proceed toward trial.
Mr. Podlasek alleges that CBIZ’s recently acquired subsidiary, accounting firm Marcum LLP, knowingly participated in a breach of fiduciary duty by producing a fraudulent, “low-ball valuation” of AmeriTex. The lawsuit claims this action was part of a scheme designed to deprive Mr. Podlasek of more than $25 million owed to him for his 1.5% equity stake in the company.
The complaint, originally filed in June 2025, asserts that Marcum was enlisted by AmeriTex’s CEO to “pretend it performed an independent valuation” in order to artificially depress the payout owed to Mr. Podlasek upon his departure. The lawsuit brings claims against CBIZ for knowing participation in a breach of fiduciary duty and civil conspiracy.
“As a career CFO, our client understands the damage that can be accomplished by valuation firms willing to tailor their work to the desires of the one paying them in disregard of the standards of their profession,” Brewer said of Podlasek.
CFO.com reports that, according to his attorneys, Podlasek seeks $30 million each from CBIZ and AmeriTex, a defendant in a separate action.
The case is Podlasek v. CBIZ, Inc., in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas, Houston Division.
Read more here.