
The Lehman Scale Compensation is a widely used method for determining the level of compensation for individuals who have suffered a traumatic brain injury. It's a complex system, but don't worry, we'll break it down in a way that's easy to understand.
The Lehman Scale is based on a person's level of cognitive and physical functioning, which is assessed using a standardized evaluation. This evaluation helps to determine the person's level of independence and ability to perform daily activities.
The scale ranges from 0 to 100, with 0 indicating the highest level of impairment and 100 indicating no impairment at all. This helps to provide a clear and objective measure of a person's compensation needs.
Understanding the Lehman Scale Compensation can be a game-changer for individuals and families affected by traumatic brain injury.
Broaden your view: Lehman Brothers
History and Variants
The Lehman Formula has a rich history that dates back to the early 1970s, when it was first developed by the Lehman Brothers for underwriting and capital raising services. Before this, the charge for such services varied wildly from institution to institution, with some cases exceeding 15% of the transaction value.
Broaden your view: History of Lehman Bros
The Lehman Formula was a game-changer, as it applied a standardized formula to the dollars in terms of total capital of a transaction, rather than a larger share of equity dollars. This provided a more consistent and predictable approach to calculating fees.
One problem with the original formula is inflation, which has made the formula less effective over time. A five million dollar deal was more significant when the formula was designed, but today it's considered small by most large banks. To account for this, business brokers have developed variants of the formula, including the Double Lehman Formula.
The Double Lehman Formula is particularly prevalent in middle market transactions, which often involve intricate deals and extended closing periods. Here's how it works:
This formula provides a more nuanced approach to calculating fees, taking into account the varying levels of risk and complexity involved in different transactions.
History
The history of the formula is a fascinating topic. The Lehman Brothers developed the formula in the early 1970s for underwriting and capital raising services.

Before this, charges varied wildly from institution to institution, with some exceeding 15%. The Lehman Brothers created a more standardized approach by applying the formula to the total capital of a transaction.
This marked a significant shift in the industry, providing a more consistent and predictable way of calculating charges.
Inflation Variants
Inflation has led to significant changes in the way the Lehman Formula is applied in today's market. A five million dollar deal was more significant when the formula was designed in the 1960s, but today it is considered small by most large banks.
To address this issue, most investment services have made adjustments to the formula to provide fee protection for the first few million dollars of transaction value. This approach helps ensure that the formula remains relevant and effective in today's market.
The Triple Lehman Formula is another variation that has emerged to address inflation. This model extends the ladder pattern to a 5-4-3-2-1-1 configuration, introducing an additional tier with a 1% fee beyond a certain transaction threshold.

Other notable variations include the Fixed Fee Plus Lehman Formula, the Cap and Collar Lehman Formula, the Performance-Based Lehman Formula, and the Tiered Lehman Formula. These variations cater to different transaction structures and preferences.
Here are some key features of these variations:
- Triple Lehman Formula: 5-4-3-2-1-1 configuration with an additional tier for transactions above a certain threshold
- Fixed Fee Plus Lehman Formula: Combination of a fixed fee and a percentage of the transaction value
- Cap and Collar Lehman Formula: Upper and lower limits on the fee percentage
- Performance-Based Lehman Formula: Fee percentage tied to specific achievements or milestones in the deal process
- Tiered Lehman Formula: Multiple tiers with different fee percentages for various ranges of the transaction value
These variations demonstrate the adaptability of the Lehman Formula in response to changing market conditions and preferences.
Double Percentage Modern
The Double Percentage Modern, also known as the Double Percentage Lehman or Modern Lehman, is a variant of the original Lehman Formula. This variation is commonly used by mid-market M&A specialists and business brokers.
The Double Percentage Modern adjusts both the percentages and the scale of the original formula, rather than just the percentages. This results in a more significant increase in the total fee compared to the original formula.
Here's how it works: the formula applies 10% of the first $1 million, 9% of the second $1 million, 8% of the third $1 million, 7% of the fourth $1 million, 6% of the fifth $1 million, 5% of the sixth $1 million, 4% of the seventh $1 million, and 3% of the eighth $1 million and everything above.
This adjustment results in an approximately 3x adjustment to the original formula, compared to the 6x adjustment due to inflation.
Double Percentage

Double Percentage Lehman is a variation of the Lehman Formula that doubles the percentages but skips odd numbers. This formula is often used in business transactions, particularly in middle market deals.
The Double Lehman Formula doubles the percentages of the original Lehman Formula, resulting in a 2x adjustment to the original formula. This means that instead of 5% on the first $1 million, it's 10% on the first $1 million.
Here's a breakdown of the Double Lehman Formula:
This formula is designed to account for inflation and provide a more accurate representation of the transaction value. For example, in a $5 million transaction, the fee distribution under the Double Lehman formula would be 10% of the first $1 million, 8% of the second $1 million, 6% of the third $1 million, 4% of the fourth $1 million, and 2% of the remaining $1 million.
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The Double Percentage Lehman formula, also known as the Modern Lehman, takes it a step further by increasing the percentages even more. This formula is used in certain business transactions, particularly in large deals.
Here's a breakdown of the Double Percentage Lehman formula:
This formula provides an even more detailed breakdown of the transaction value, making it a useful tool for business brokers and advisors.
What Is
The Lehman scale is a method used to determine the severity of a burn injury. It's a simple, yet effective way to classify burns based on their depth.
The scale ranges from 1 to 4, with 1 being the least severe and 4 being the most severe. Burn injuries are categorized into four distinct levels.
A first-degree burn, or Level 1, affects only the outermost layer of skin and is typically red, swollen, and painful. Pain is usually the only symptom.
Second-degree burns, or Level 2, affect both the outer and inner layers of skin, and can cause blisters and a white or yellowish color. These burns can be painful and take longer to heal.
Third-degree burns, or Level 3, destroy both the outer and inner layers of skin and can cause charring, a leathery texture, and a lack of sensation. These burns can be life-threatening.
Fourth-degree burns, or Level 4, extend beyond the skin and can damage underlying tissues, including muscles, bones, and organs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Lehman fee structure?
The Lehman fee structure is a calculation method that charges a percentage of the first million, then a lower percentage of the next million, and so on. This tiered approach results in a lower overall fee for larger transactions, making it a popular choice for business owners.
What is the double Lehman Formula?
The Double Lehman Formula is a sliding scale commission structure that charges a decreasing percentage of commission based on the sale price, starting at 10% for the first million. It's a tiered system with decreasing rates for higher sale prices.
Sources
- https://venturefirst.com/an-introduction-to-success-fees-and-the-lehman-formula/
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lehman_Formula
- https://matters2.com/lehman-scale/
- https://www.brentwood-growth.com/blog/business-valuations/the-lehman-formula-demystified-a-comprehensive-look-at-transactional-fees/
- https://mergerscorp.com/lehman-formula-calculator/
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