Equity Methods Acquires EPS, Creating Equity Comp Powerhouse

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. – April 14, 2026 – Equity Methods, a prominent advisory firm in the equity compensation space, today announced its acquisition of Equity Plan Solutions (EPS), a boutique firm specializing in stock plan administration. The move signals a major strategic push to create a comprehensive, end-to-end service provider in the increasingly complex world of employee equity.

The acquisition unites Equity Methods' deep expertise in valuation, financial reporting, and HR advisory with EPS's specialized, hands-on administration services. This consolidation is a direct response to a growing market demand for unified solutions. Companies, from venture-backed startups to Fortune 100 giants, are increasingly seeking single partners to manage the entire lifecycle of their equity programs, from initial design and grant issuance to ongoing administration and complex financial reporting.

A Strategic Play for Market Leadership

The deal represents a significant step for Equity Methods to solidify its leadership in a competitive market. By integrating the specialized administration capabilities of EPS, the firm can now offer a seamless solution that covers the full spectrum of equity compensation needs.

"This partnership reflects our commitment to expanding the ways we can support our clients," said Takis Makridis, President and CEO of Equity Methods, in the official announcement. "EPS brings a talented team and a strong track record serving public and pre-IPO companies. Together, we’ll continue delivering exceptional service, technical rigor, and innovative solutions to provide the highest quality, most comprehensive equity compensation offerings in the industry."

The move is strongly backed by HGGC, the private equity firm that holds a majority stake in Equity Methods. HGGC's investment thesis, established when it acquired the firm in April 2025, centered on bolstering its technology, talent, and service offerings to capture a larger share of the enterprise market. This acquisition is a clear execution of that strategy.

"Companies are increasingly looking for partners that can manage equity compensation programs end to end, from plan design to administration to reporting," stated HGGC. "Adding EPS to the Equity Methods platform reflects the kind of strategic, capability-expanding growth that creates long-term value for clients and stakeholders alike." By integrating these capabilities, Equity Methods is positioning itself not just as an advisor but as a full-service operational partner, aiming to set a new standard for what clients can expect from a single provider.

Delivering End-to-End Value for Clients

For corporate clients, the merger promises to streamline operations and mitigate risks associated with managing multifaceted equity plans. The complexity of stock-based compensation has surged in recent years, driven by diverse award types, global workforces, and heightened regulatory scrutiny. Managing separate vendors for administration, valuation, and reporting often creates data silos, inefficiencies, and potential compliance gaps.

The combined entity aims to eliminate these friction points. A client can now benefit from a cohesive process where plan administration data flows seamlessly into financial reporting models under ASC 718, and where strategic HR advice on plan design is informed by real-world administrative practicalities. This integrated approach is particularly valuable during critical events like IPOs, mergers, or implementing new equity plans, where accuracy and coordination are paramount.

The global equity compensation management software market, valued at $1.65 billion in 2024, is projected to expand at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 10.8% through 2033. This growth reflects the corporate need for better tools, but software alone is often not enough. The combination of Equity Methods' advisory prowess and EPS's service-oriented administration provides a powerful alternative to purely software-based solutions or fragmented vendor relationships.

Elizabeth Dodge, the founder of EPS who will now serve as Director of Equity Management Services at Equity Methods, emphasized the continuity and enhancement of client service. "We are thrilled to be joining forces with Equity Methods. They are a strong strategic fit for our firm and our clients," she said. "Their depth of expertise and shared focus on quality strengthen what we already do well and give our clients access to broader resources without changing the level of service or expertise they expect from us." This focus on a high-touch, expert-led service model is what both firms believe will differentiate their combined offering in a crowded marketplace.

Integrating Talent and Expertise

Beyond the strategic and operational synergies, this acquisition is fundamentally a talent acquisition. Equity Plan Solutions, though a boutique 22-person firm, built its reputation on the deep industry experience of its team. Founded by Dodge in 2016, EPS was known for its client-centric model, which emphasized training and partnership over a purely transactional relationship.

Elizabeth Dodge is a long-time veteran in the stock plan profession, a Certified Equity Professional (CEP), and a noted speaker and author in the field. Her decision to join Equity Methods, along with EPS Principal and Head of Operations Albert Orozco, who also becomes a Director, ensures that the expertise and client-service ethos that defined EPS are integrated directly into the new, larger organization. The entire EPS team will be joining Equity Methods, a move that underscores the value placed on their collective knowledge.

This human element is critical in a field as specialized as equity compensation. The nuances of plan administration, tax compliance, and financial reporting require not just powerful software but seasoned professionals who can provide guidance and solve complex problems. By bringing the EPS team into the fold, Equity Methods gains a ready-made, highly respected administration unit with a proven track record, avoiding the challenges of building such a specialized team from scratch. The cultural alignment, centered on a shared focus on quality and client success, is expected to facilitate a smooth integration for both employees and the clients they serve.

Navigating a Dynamic and Growing Market

The acquisition is timed perfectly to capitalize on powerful trends shaping the corporate landscape. Equity is no longer just a tool for executive compensation; it has become a vital component for attracting and retaining talent at all levels. A 2024 study revealed that 76% of HR leaders now offer equity compensation, a significant jump from 65% in 2021, with over 84% of employees expressing interest in receiving it.

This democratization of equity has increased the administrative burden on companies, making expert, scalable solutions more valuable than ever. Furthermore, regulators and investors are paying closer attention. Recent Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) rules requiring greater disaggregation of income statement expenses are putting a brighter spotlight on stock compensation costs, demanding more granular and accurate reporting from companies.

In this environment, the move by Equity Methods reflects a broader consolidation trend within specialized financial and business services, often fueled by private equity investment. Firms are racing to build scale and comprehensive capabilities to become indispensable partners to their clients. By creating a one-stop-shop for the entire equity compensation lifecycle, Equity Methods is not only enhancing its own competitive position but is also responding directly to the evolving needs of a dynamic market that demands both sophisticated technology and expert human guidance.