Key Takeaways

• ACP International became the first Employee Ownership Trust (EOT) in the State of Texas in 2022.

• Founder Joe Nussbaum chose an EOT over private equity, a strategic sale, a family handoff, and an ESOP because it was the only structure that could keep ACP debt-free, headquartered in Arlington, and protected from a future resale.

• EOT Advisors, founded by Chris Michael, is the first U.S. firm dedicated to Employee Ownership Trusts and guided ACP through valuation, deal structuring, tax planning, financing, documentation, fiduciary setup, and employee communications.

• An Employee Ownership Trust differs from an ESOP in three core ways: no ERISA oversight, no repurchase obligation, and structural permanence that prevents future boards from selling the company.

• Joe Nussbaum is staying on as President through 2028 and has become a public advocate for employee ownership.