LUTZ BUSINESS INSIGHTS
Is an Employee Stock OWNERSHIP Plan Right for Your Business?
BILL KENEDY, LUTZ CONSULTING AND M&A SHAREHOLDER
One of the biggest reasons business owners struggle with how to exit from their business is getting a grasp of all of the options available to them. Often times, the business owner’s biggest financial asset is tied up in the value of their business. Obviously, maximizing the sale price upon exiting the business is a goal of most business owners, but there are typically many other concerns:
- How will a sale affect the employees?
- Will the owner still be able to work?
- In cases where there are minority shareholders, how are they dealt with?
- Will the Company name remain intact if sold to a third party?
The answers to these questions can be much clearer if the business considers a sale to an ESOP. But, is your company a legitimate candidate for an ESOP? ESOP experts provide varying answers to this question. Based on our experience, we believe the following are key areas to consider:
1. Number of Employees: Although there can be exceptions to this, we believe a company should have at least 50 employees to launch a successful ESOP.
2. Type of Employees: The employee base should be primarily made up of full-time workers. Companies with consistent employee turnover are not good candidates.
3. Management Team: The company will need to have a strong management team. Although a selling owner can still be involved, and even be running the company, an ESOP transaction will be hard to complete without a strong management team behind the owner.
4. Limited Existing Bank Debt: Typically ESOP transactions are partially funded by bank debt. If the company already has significant bank debt, an ESOP may not be a good option (unless the owner is willing to be the bank!)
5. Consistent Positive Cash Flow: Even with the multiple cash flow advantages of an ESOP, a company wishing to complete an ESOP transaction will need to have a proven record of positive cash flow sufficient to handle the debt requirements of the transaction.
An ESOP could be a great choice for exiting a business. Any business owner that meets these key criteria should contact us for additional information about how ESOPs work.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
BILL KENEDY + LUTZ CONSULTING AND M&A SHAREHOLDER
Bill Kenedy is a Lutz Consulting and M&A Shareholder at Lutz. He specializes in business valuation, litigation support, and merger and acquisition advisory services.
AREAS OF FOCUS
- Mergers and Acquisitions
- Business Valuation
- Litigation Support
- Business Transition Advisory Services
- Estate Planning
- Fraud Prevention and Detection
- Financial Analysis/Budgeting
AFFILIATIONS AND CREDENTIALS
- American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, Member
- Nebraska Society of Certified Public Accountants, Member
- Certified Public Accountant
- Accredited in Business Valuation
- Certified in Financial Forensic
- Certified Exit Planning Advisor
EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND
- BSBA in Accounting, St. John’s University, Collegeville, MN
COMMUNITY SERVICE
- Construction Financial Management Association, Past Treasurer, Board Member
- A Time to Heal (non-profit focused on cancer patients), Past Board Member
THOUGHT LEADERSHIP
- Understanding the Tax Implications of a Business Sale
- The M&A Client Experience
- Lutz M&A Advises Midwest Scaffold Service on its Sale to Sunbelt Rentals
- 5 Key Purchase Agreement Considerations
- Net Working Capital: What is it and How is it Used?
- Issues During the Due Diligence Process in M&A Transactions
- Lutz M&A Advises Fantasy's, Inc. on its Acquisition by Casey's General Stores
- Primary Benefits of Selling Your Company to an ESOP
- Is An Employee Stock Option Plan Right for Your Business?
- Lutz M&A Advises C&W Transportation on its Sale to Platform Capital
- Our Services, Our People, and Our Results
- Lutz M&A Advises Hands of Heartland on its Recent Investment by Evolve Capital
- Lutz M&A Advises Labor Source on its Recapitalization by Great Range Capital
- Overcoming Obstacles in Business Transition Planning
- Understanding Net Working Capital in Business Transactions
- How to Increase the Value of Your Business
- When is the Right Time to Exit My Business?
- Lutz M&A Advises Triage Staffing on Recapitalization
- Lutz M&A Advises Hockenbergs on Recent Sale to Trimark USA LLC
- Lutz M&A Advises Focus Respiratory on its Recent Buyout by Valley Healthcare Group
- Is Your Small Business at Risk of Fraud?
- Lutz M&A Advises CCW, LLC on its Recent Buyout
- Lutz M&A Advises NIFCO Mechanical Systems on Recent Sale
- Lutz M&A Advises Midwest Door & Hardware on Recent Sale
- Why is Forensic Accounting Needed?
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