ESOP Implementation Process
With decades of ESOP experience, SES professionals are uniquely positioned to assist business owners in balancing their needs with those of the company and its employees to implement successful and sustainable employee ownership solutions. Through our affiliated law firm, Stevens & Lee, and our affiliated FINRA-licensed investment bank, Griffin Financial Group, we provide comprehensive legal and financing insights, as well as capital raising and debt financing opportunities, across the process of establishing and funding an ESOP. Across every stage of the implementation journey, we are focused on aligning the business succession goals of company stakeholders with the long-term legacy and employee benefits an ESOP offers, all while minimizing fiduciary risk.
Implementing an employee stock ownership plan (ESOP) starts with determining whether it is the right fit for your company’s financial performance, culture and long-term succession objectives. If an ESOP offers a sustainable path forward, the next step is structuring the transaction and evaluating key considerations such as company valuation, financing alternatives, tax advantages and the legal, financial and administrative requirements involved in establishing the plan.
Begin Implementing Your ESOP
Once the company and its owners determine the appropriate structure, the ESOP implementation stage begins. SES ESOP Strategies assists companies in choosing advisors, negotiating key terms and conditions and documenting and implementing the ESOP transaction in compliance with IRS/DOL regulatory requirements. If applicable, SES and affiliate Griffin Financial Group can assist you in raising debt to fund the transaction.
Ongoing Upkeep and Maintenance
Following ESOP implementation, SES ESOP Strategies’ affiliated law firm, Stevens & Lee, can provide legal services to assist the company in maintaining the tax-qualified status of the employee stock ownership plan, as well as offer a wide range of other business-oriented, value-added legal services. We have long-standing relationships with third-party administration teams and can assist the company in selecting the team best suited to provide annual plan record-keeping and administration services.
How Our Team of ESOP Professionals Can Help With the Implementation Process
With significant experience working alongside shareholders, owners, management teams and advisors, we’re experts in helping companies navigate the financial, legal and administrative complexities of implementing an ESOP. Our guidance extends beyond implementation to include compliance, governance, employee communication and ongoing plan administration, helping companies maximize the benefits of employee ownership while positioning the ESOP for long-term success.
Contact us today to learn whether an ESOP may be the right fit for your business succession strategy and to schedule a feasibility study with one of our ESOP professionals.