Responding to a changing industry landscape and the needs of our professionals, BDO sought a new business model to support continued quality, growth, investment and long-term sustainability for a resilient future.
In 2023, the firm established an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP), boldly embracing transformational change and our core purpose of helping people thrive every day. BDO is proud to be the first large accounting and advisory organization to establish an ESOP — making it one of the largest ESOPs in the nation.
An ESOP is a qualified retirement plan established as a trust for the benefit of its participants – and so much more. BDO’s ESOP provides more than 10,000 participating BDO professionals a stake in the firm’s success through beneficial ownership and a unique opportunity to enhance their financial well-being. Today’s employees want a different type of relationship with employers. According to Gartner, 82 percent of employees agree it is important that their organization sees them as a person, not just an employee. They want a greater sense of purpose and control over their careers, and a voice in the direction of their company.
An ESOP is the embodiment of BDO’s people-first culture, staying true to the firm’s core purpose of helping people thrive every day. It is a tangible way to invest in BDO professionals and ensure that everyone who contributes to the firm’s success can benefit financially in the firm’s success.
Is an ESOP right for your business?
ESOPs are among the most flexible of all succession strategies. An ESOP can boost recruitment and employee retention and drive business growth by providing incentives to the company’s management team. ESOP transactions offer many benefits for the selling owner.
For owners of privately-held businesses, ESOPs provide a flexible option for selling all or a portion of their business. ESOP transactions can be tailored to meet the unique needs of the owner, the business and the employees. Moreover, there are distinct tax advantages for all parties.
The BDO Capital ESOP Advisory team consists of professionals with a wide range of experience in investment banking, tax, valuation, benefits and commercial banking. Our ESOP professionals work closely and collaboratively with your accounting and legal teams to achieve the result everyone wants, a sale that benefits the company, protects your legacy, and provides both you and your employees with the financial rewards and purpose-based culture you and your people have worked hard to earn and build.
BDO Services
- ESOP Feasibility, Valuation and Tax Analyses
- Capital Raising for Leveraged ESOPs
- ESOP Benefit Plan Design and Analyses
- M&A Comparative Analyses
- Tax and Accounting Services
- ESOP Plan Administration and Compliance
As an ESOP company, together we thrive. Together, we are focused on delivering exceptional and sustainable outcomes and value for our people, our clients, and our communities.
Investment banking products and services within the United States are offered exclusively through BDO Capital Advisors, LLC, a separate legal entity and affiliated company of BDO USA, P.C., a Virginia professional corporation. For more information, visit www.bdocap.com. Certain services may not be available to attest clients under the rules and regulations of public accounting. BDO Capital Advisors, LLC Member FINRA/SIPC
