ESOPs are common among engineering and architecture firms and have the second highest prevalence of employee ownership among all industries. They are used to facilitate ownership transitions, broaden the ownership base and do so in a tax efficient and controlled manner.

During this ACEC program, we will discuss the primary uses for ESOPs, how ESOP stock transactions work, valuation requirements, current multiples, financing sources, integration with other equity ownership plans and the impact on retirement benefits for employees.

Learning Objectives:

• Considerations for ownership transition planning
• ESOP Basics
• ESOP Transaction Alternatives and Combinations
• Valuation requirements and current multiples
• Capital sources for ESOP transactions
• Steps for evaluating and implementing an ESOP

Upon completing this program, participants will gain a practical understanding of the ESOP structure, its primary uses, transaction basics, governance as well as the various tax advantages used today by many engineering firms across the country.

Presenter: Robert E. Massengill, Managing Director, Pilot Hill Advisors LLC