Prairie was named Americas Corporate Fairness Opinion Provider of the Year by M&A Atlas in 2023.
Prairie is a nationally-recognized leader in providing ESOP valuation services to trustees/fiduciaries of ESOP and KSOP retirement plans and trusts. We provide ESOP valuation updates to more than 300 ESOP companies each year across the U.S. in a variety of industries.
Valuation Process
Whether you are a new ESOP company or existing ESOP company changing advisors, we have a measured approach to ESOP valuation. Our team will work to create an informed and proactive timeline with the ESOP Trustee and company. Prairie’s annual valuation supports the ongoing administration of a company’s ESOP plan and is prepared after the end of the plan year. Clear communication and education are essential for a successful project. Our valuation process typically ranges in 45 to 60 days to complete for the first year. Thereafter, we typically complete the valuation process within 30-45 days.
ESOP Services Beyond Valuation Advisory
In addition to our annual ESOP valuation services, Prairie’s ESOP advisors are trusted partners that can add insight and specialized consulting depending on the needs of the company. We find that general ESOP education covering the valuation process and discussing value drivers is often needed as part of our services. Due to our wealth of ESOP knowledge and experience, we can also provide consultative advice to the Trustee and the company we are valuing. These topics can include acquisition impacts, ESOP sustainability and restructuring of existing credit or loans.
Prairie Qualifications
Prairie’s ESOP appraisers have significant experience issuing valuation reports. Our team has the following professional affiliations:
- Accredited Senior Appraiser (“ASA”) of the American Society of Appraisers
- Chartered Financial Analyst (“CFA”) Chartholders
- Certified Public Accountant (“CPA”)
- Certified Valuation Analyst (“AVA”)
- Accredited in Business Valuation (“ABV”)
Prairie is actively involved in The ESOP Association, The National Center for Employee Ownership (“NCEO”), Employee-Owned S Corporations of America (“ESCA”), Certified EO and The Employee Ownership Expansion Network (“EOX”).