Overview
Ted Becker and Erin Turley will be speaking at The ESOP Association (TEA) National Conference 2026. McDermott Will & Schulte is a proud sponsor of this conference, which will be held in Washington, DC on May 5 – 8. Register today and join us for the following sessions.
The ESOP Advantage: Mastering Growth Through Strategic Acquisitions
Speaker: Erin Turley
Friday, May 8 | 12:50 – 1:50 pm
As 2026 unfolds, well-managed ESOPs are no longer just passive retirement vehicles; they are aggressive market acquirers. Learn how employee-owned firms leverage unique tax efficiencies and a superior “ownership culture” to outcompete traditional private equity and corporate buyers in the M&A arena.
Learning Objectives:
- Identifying when to use “bolt-on” acquisitions to expand geography versus diversifying services to reduce risk
- Learning the various structures an acquisition can take and the impacts of each structure
- Understanding the role of the Board, Management and the Trustee in ESOP M&A activities
Mock Debate in ESOP Transaction Litigation
Speaker: Ted Becker
Friday, May 8 | 2:00 – 3:00 pm
Join our panelists as they play ‘plaintiff v. defendant’ in a mock debate. The panelists will present opposing viewpoints on key areas of dispute in ESOP litigation, including the roles of the trustee, valuation advisor, selling shareholders, board members, and ESOP committee members, and valuation issues. You’ll gain greater insight into positions that parties take in ESOP litigation.
Learning Objectives:
- Evaluate arguments made by plaintiffs and defendants in ESOP transaction litigation
- Understand key areas of dispute in ESOP transaction litigation
- Develop a greater understanding of ERISA and valuation principles as applied to ESOP transactions