The accounting M&A landscape has shifted dramatically, and firms under $10 million in revenue are navigating a uniquely complex environment. Buyer expectations have evolved, valuation methodologies have changed, and the options available to firm owners extend well beyond a traditional PE deal.

In this session, Brannon Poe, CPA, Founder of Poe Group Advisors, and Morry Brown, Regional Market Lead, draw on their experience guiding hundreds of firm owners through transitions to break down what smaller firm leaders need to know when planning an exit

Private equity may be the most visible capital source, but it’s far from the only option.

This session explores the full spectrum of capital options available to accounting firms, from traditional bank financing and specialty lenders to partner buy-in loans, succession financing, and leveraged recapitalizations. Through real-world examples, attendees will learn how firms are using debt and other financing strategies to fund growth, facilitate ownership transitions, pursue acquisitions, and remain independent.

Employee Stock Ownership Plans are gaining renewed attention as a strategy for ownership transition, succession planning, and long-term independence. But how do ESOPs work in practice, and are they the right fit for your firm?

This session will examine how accounting firms are using ESOPs to create liquidity for retiring partners, transfer ownership to the next generation of leaders, and align the interests of employees with the long-term success of the firm. Attendees will gain a practical understanding of ESOP structures, the transition process from traditional partnership models, the tax and financial implications, and the opportunities and challenges firms should consider when evaluating this increasingly popular ownership model.