In ESOP transactions, the focus is often on the Trustee’s fiduciary role—but what about the Board of Directors? This session explores why corporate Boards should proactively seek their own fairness opinions when approving an ESOP deal.

Join Renee Lewis of Polsinelli and Greg Cook of Prairie Capital Advisors as they walk through the legal, financial and governance considerations that drive the need for a separate, Board-side opinion. Attendees will gain practical insights into when and how Boards should engage advisors, the evolving regulatory landscape and how to align with best practices to mitigate risk. Whether you’re an internal stakeholder or a trusted advisor, this session will equip you with tools to help boards make informed, defensible decisions.

Learning Objectives:

• Differentiate the roles and fiduciary responsibilities of the Board of Directors vs. the ESOP Trustee in a transaction.
• Evaluate the benefits and strategic value of obtaining a Board-side fairness opinion in ESOP transactions.
• Identify best practices for engaging financial and legal advisors to support the Board’s independent decision-making process.

Who Should Attend:

• CFOs
• CEOs
• Board Members