As more generations take on leadership roles in our firms, many owners are looking to shift their ownership structure, but lack knowledge on how these shifts will impact their businesses. Leaders often grapple with communicating the change to staff, guaranteeing buy-in, and ensuring their new structure is a good fit for their culture. Presented as a virtual, four-part series, Navigating a Change in Ownership will detail the various options available to owners looking to grow their business or change their current structure, while guaranteeing a smooth transition for staff, clients, and their bottom line.
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Making Way for The Next Generation
November 14, 2024, 1:30-2:30 PM Eastern
It is often stated that the process of ownership transition needs to begin 10 years before the transition starts. As firm leaders approach retirement, many questions arise as to how to engage younger employees in the ownership process and ensure they maintain the firms’ culture and vision. Join this session for an overview of how to begin the ownership transition process and best practices for engaging all levels of the firm.
Learning Objectives:
- Explore strategies for engaging younger people to become owners in the firm.
- Understand strategies to promote employee buy-in.
- Learn how to successfully manage and communicate the transition from the front end.
Presenter: Syvia Magid and Melissa Sanders, Fox Rothschild LLP
Is an Employee Stock Ownership Plans (ESOP) a Viable Option for Your Firm?
December 5, 2024, 1:30-2:30 PM Eastern
Employee Stock Ownership Plans (ESOP) have become a popular model for firms looking to attract and retain long term employees, while capitalizing on the tax benefits available to businesses. However, not all businesses can manage the cash flow and administrative demand. Presented by a legal expert and a Chief Financial Officer from an ESOP firm, learn the particulars of adopting an Employee Stock Ownership Plan, and when it is most likely to be successful for all parties.
Learning Objectives:
- Learn what to expect when transitioning to an ESOP structure.
- Explore when an ESOP is likely to be most beneficial and if your firm would be a strong candidate for the transition.
- Hear from experts that have been through the ESOP process on best practices for managing the transition.
Presenter: Cass Hollis, Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner LLP
Understanding the Key Benefits of Ownership in Mergers and Acquisition
January 16, 2025, 1:30-2:30 PM Eastern
Mergers and acquisitions (M&A) historically offer firms the best opportunity to expand their business into new markets while gaining access to new clientele and revenue streams. While many companies find this to be the solution to new growth, many leaders struggle with when to make the decision to merge with another firm. From blending into a new culture to understanding new operations, how does a company know when it’s the right time to sell? Join this session for an in-depth discussion of what to expect from the M&A process and how to identify the right time and circumstances to merge with another company.
Learning Objectives:
- What are the key considerations when making the decision to sell to or merge with another company?
- Change management- how does a leader effectively usher in the next stage with clients?
- What are the best strategies for retaining employees and maintaining key aspects of the original culture?
Presenter: Matt Fultz, Matheson Financial Advisors
The Strategic Advantage of Growth Through Private Equity
February 6, 2025, 1:30-2:30 PM Eastern
The influx of funding from private equity has changed the ownership landscape for A/E firms. Partnering with private equity can provide financial stability, strategic direction, and growth potential, making it an attractive option for many business owners. As owners enter this new landscape, it’s vital that they find the appropriate partner and make informed decisions on how to best navigate their new structure. Register now to hear from an A/E firm that successfully managed the transition and learn about how to prepare for a successful partnership.
Learning Objectives:
- Understand the background on the influx of funding from private equity into the A/E space.
- Recognize the key factors to consider when entering a partnership with a private equity firm.
- Learn what to expect in the first year of the transition, and best tactics for rolling out the new relationship to leadership and employees.
Presenter: David Cohen, Matheson Financial Advisors
*The recording for each part will be added to the class materials the following day.
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