Are you ready to plan for retirement?
Are you considering selling your business in the future?
Are you thinking of transitioning your business to the next generation of leaders?
An Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) is a business exit strategy that offers benefits to the business owner and the employees of the business. ESOPs are often a win-win for the business owner and their employees. But is it right for you?
If your corporation has a strong management team, more than 20 employees, capacity for additional debt, and strong cash flows, an ESOP may be a great exit strategy for you. Learn all about the benefits of ESOP, and what you need to know before you consider it.
You will hear our experts discuss:
- Strategic issues that are involved
- Benefits and misconceptions about ESOP
- Successful outcomes
- Tax implications of an ESOP
- Accounting considerations for an ESOP
Andre Schnabl Tenor ESOP Partners
Managing Partner
Andre Schnabl is a managing partner of Tenor ESOP Partners and leads the firm's debt placement practice. Prior to joining Tenor, Andre retired as Managing Partner of the Atlanta office of Grant Thornton LLP in 2012. Prior to his retirement, he held a variety of positions within the firm in the firm's offices in Zimbabwe, Montreal, Canada and Atlanta. During his career, he has consulted with mid-market companies on a variety of matters, including mergers and acquisitions, debt and equity financings including public offerings. Since Joining Tenor in 2015, Andre has been advising companies and shareholders in business succession using ESOPs, including shareholder advocacy, structuring and leading the financing raises. Andre has a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry and Geology from the University of London and is a CPA.
Petra Orquiola, CPA
Director of Assurance Services
Petra leads the ESOP practice at WBL and is the director of the firm's assurance services practice. She directs all aspects of the firm's audit and assurance services, including preparing and reviewing financial statements and compilations, performing agreed-upon procedures and other special projects.
Petra has worked with clients in the manufacturing, distribution and staffing industries as well as nonprofit education organizations and associations and ESOP-owned businesses. She also specializes in transaction services, assisting clients with M&A transactions on both the buyer and seller side.
Petra works closely with her audit team and the experts in the firm's other practices to provide outstanding personal service for clients in the areas of financial reporting, tax planning and compliance, general accounting and transaction services.
Steven G. Horn, CPA
WBL CPAs + Advisors Partner, Tax Planning and Compliance Services
Steve is the director of WBL Tax Planning and Compliance Services department. He is the author of the firm's periodic tax planning updates and previously served on the Editorial Advisory Board of the Harcourt Brace Publication, CPA Internet Connection. Steve is also a frequent lecturer and guest speaker at universities, international conferences and professional associations. Prior to joining WBL, he spent seven years with the international accounting firm Price Waterhouse (now PwC) in Atlanta. Steve has provided tax planning and return preparation services for corporations, individuals, partnerships, estates and trusts with an easy smile, charm and a quick wit. His specialties include performing ASC 740 calculations for public and large private companies and developing tax strategies for closely held businesses, as well as serving as trustee and assisting high net worth families in meeting their goals.