Employee Ownership Trusts

An alternative to the traditional trade sale or management buy-out route is the sale of shares to an employee ownership trust.

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LET US GUIDE YOU ON YOUR EMPLOYEE OWNERSHIP JOURNEY

Employee Ownership Trusts continue to grow in popularity as an alternative to a third-party sale. As a business owner evaluating succession, you may wish to consider sharing ownership of your company with your employees, by selling some or all of the shares that you own to an employee ownership trust (EOT).

Providing a set of qualifying conditions are met, a sale to an EOT is considered an alternative exit route and one with many advantages. It leaves the company in the hands of those who know it most; it benefits the employees in several ways; the seller can be part of the business post-sale; and the consideration for the sale shares that the seller receives is exempt from capital gains tax.

 

WHAT WE CAN DO FOR YOU

As champions of EOTS, we can provide comprehensive advice throughout your EOT journey from pre-transaction planning to beyond completion. We have a wealth of experience in a sale to an EOT.  Our hands on, simplified and hassle-free transaction process will ensure you remain in charge at all times.

WE ASSIST, GUIDE,

AND ADVISE WITH:

  • Succession planning
  • Planning and creation of the Employee Ownership Trust
  • Advice on the identity of trustees and their appointment
  • Drafting the EOT trust deed, share purchase agreement and other transaction documents
  • Post transaction support on filings and company secretarial support
  • Implementation of tax-advantaged share scheme
  • Project management of the process to completion
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It was an absolute pleasure to work alongside EMW Law and the team to complete the transition of all elements of this acquisition and merger. It all went smoothly and seamlessly with Tracy and her team.

Chris Rand, founder of Luminosity Lighting Limited
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EMW Law guided us through our business transition into an EOT. The team’s knowledge and experience allowed for a smooth process, providing us with the best advice every step of the way.

Matthew Goulcher, Managing Director of Levitt Bernstein Associates Limited
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After successfully building Multipipe over 20+ years it was time to look at its future and my part in its disposal. Our fantastic TEAM has always been central to our success I felt a trade sale, whilst being the most popular, did not fully secure the future of our people. As soon as I learned about EOT’s I knew I had found the right solution. It then just needed the right team of professionals to help. After seeking advice from business owners who had successfully achieved an EOT sale, Tracy and her team at EMW came highly recommended. From our first informal chat right through to completion of sale Tracy always kept me fully informed and advised using plain and simple language, making what was a huge step for me, disposing of my Company whilst securing its people’s future, a comfortable and relatively painless process.

Mike Young, the MD and exiting equity shareholder, Multipipe Limited
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We believe that giving our employees a stake in the company is the best way to ensure that we continue to deliver innovative solutions and superior service to our clients. We also recognise employee ownership will foster a culture of collaboration and shared responsibility that will drive innovation and growth for years to come. We’re thrilled to embark on this new chapter in our company’s history, and we look forward to working with our employees to build a stronger, more sustainable business. We feel very fortunate to have been introduced to Tracy Evans of EMW Law who’s expert knowledge and advice in this area was instrumental in enabling a smooth transition to an Employee-Owned Business.

Stuart White, Managing Partner of Barker Associates (Essex)
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The EOT route was the perfect vehicle for us to transfer the business to the new management team and to enable them to grow from the current excellent sales platform – the new energy and enthusiasm is palpable. This is strongly correlated to the support provided throughout by Tracy and her team. We have been very impressed not just by her knowledge, but the efficient way she explained matters in plain English. We have found elsewhere that lawyers can complicate issues, so I have been impressed by the way Tracy has helped us through the many legal documents with patience and clarity, while responding quickly and accurately to any amendments agreed.

Mike Robinson & Sarah Hunter
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Tracy and the wider EMW team have been excellent. Advice has always been clear and concise and no question too silly or request for help too small. Woods Hardwick Ltd have been working with EMW since the last MBO and would highly recommend their services to anyone looking for help.

John Freeman, Woods Hardwick
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The transfer of CPC’s business structure to an EOT became an important part of our next stage of growth. The advice and guidance provided by EMW Law enabled us to navigate this complex organisational change and achieve a smooth transition to an employee-owned business in March 2024, marking an exciting new chapter for CPC and its employees.

Brandon, finance director and former equity holder of CPC

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