Key Takeaways
- • HGGC-backed Equity Methods has signed a definitive agreement to acquire the assets of Equity Plan Solutions (EPS), a 22-person boutique firm specializing in equity plan administration for public, venture-backed, and sponsor-backed companies.
- • The acquisition expands Equity Methods' service offering across the equity compensation lifecycle, adding stock administration capabilities to complement existing valuation, financial reporting, equity plan management, and HR advisory services.
- • Elizabeth Dodge, founder of EPS and a 20-year veteran in stock plan administration, will join Equity Methods as Director of Equity Management Services, bringing deep expertise and client relationships to the combined firm.
- • The deal strengthens Equity Methods' competitive position to serve corporate clients with comprehensive equity compensation solutions, addressing demand from both public companies and pre-IPO organizations.
Summary
HGGC-backed Equity Methods has announced a definitive agreement to acquire Equity Plan Solutions (EPS), a specialized equity plan administration firm, in a move designed to broaden its service capabilities across the equity compensation market. Equity Methods, headquartered in Scottsdale, Arizona, provides valuation, financial reporting, and human resources advisory services focused on equity compensation and complex securities matters. The acquisition targets EPS's 22-person team and its specialized expertise in administering equity plans for publicly traded, venture-backed, and sponsor-backed companies nationwide.
The transaction addresses a clear strategic gap in Equity Methods' current service portfolio. While the firm maintains established capabilities in valuation, financial reporting, equity plan management, and HR advisory, it lacked dedicated stock administration services—a critical function in the broader equity compensation lifecycle. EPS's client-centric approach and technical capabilities in equity administration complement Equity Methods' existing offerings, positioning the combined entity to deliver more comprehensive solutions to corporate clients navigating complex equity matters.
Elizabeth Dodge, who founded EPS in 2016, will join Equity Methods as Director of Equity Management Services. Dodge brings over two decades of leadership experience in equity administration and is recognized as a noted speaker and author within the stock plan community, strengthening Equity Methods' technical bench and client relationships. According to Takis Makridis, President and CEO of Equity Methods, the partnership reflects the firm's commitment to supporting clients with an expanded range of services while maintaining "technical rigor and innovative solutions" in equity compensation advisory.
The acquisition reflects ongoing consolidation within specialized financial advisory sectors, particularly as corporations navigate increasingly complex equity compensation structures tied to stock plan administration, valuation, and reporting compliance.
The transaction addresses a clear strategic gap in Equity Methods' current service portfolio. While the firm maintains established capabilities in valuation, financial reporting, equity plan management, and HR advisory, it lacked dedicated stock administration services—a critical function in the broader equity compensation lifecycle. EPS's client-centric approach and technical capabilities in equity administration complement Equity Methods' existing offerings, positioning the combined entity to deliver more comprehensive solutions to corporate clients navigating complex equity matters.
Elizabeth Dodge, who founded EPS in 2016, will join Equity Methods as Director of Equity Management Services. Dodge brings over two decades of leadership experience in equity administration and is recognized as a noted speaker and author within the stock plan community, strengthening Equity Methods' technical bench and client relationships. According to Takis Makridis, President and CEO of Equity Methods, the partnership reflects the firm's commitment to supporting clients with an expanded range of services while maintaining "technical rigor and innovative solutions" in equity compensation advisory.
The acquisition reflects ongoing consolidation within specialized financial advisory sectors, particularly as corporations navigate increasingly complex equity compensation structures tied to stock plan administration, valuation, and reporting compliance.
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