ESOP Finance

Explore the strategies and benefits of an ESOP

A succession plan that can benefit business owners—and employees.

For many business owners, an ESOP may be the best solution for developing a succession plan, while generating potential tax advantages and providing employees with the incentive to coalesce into a strong management team.

For your employee stock ownership plan needs, contact our experienced Fifth Third Bank ESOP professionals:

Nick Jevic
Managing Director
513-534-5478
Nick.Jevic@53.com

Steve Kuhn
Managing Director
513-534-0867
Steve.Kuhn@53.com

How an ESOP Works

With an ESOP, a company creates a trust for the employees and allocates shares to eligible employees’ accounts, which are subject to vesting requirements. Normally, ESOP participants receive the stock, or cash equal in value to the stock, after they leave the company or upon retirement.

When an ESOP borrows money to buy company shares, it is called a leveraged ESOP. The ESOP may own any percentage of the company’s shares, and shares may come from the company and/or the selling shareholders.

Why consider an ESOP?

  • Establishment of a succession plan
  • Potential tax benefits
  • Diversification of net worth
  • Increased liquidity
  • Employee compensation

At Fifth Third, we provide expertise and flexibility in constructing ESOP solutions, which include:

  • Leveraged ESOP
  • Non-leveraged ESOP
  • Full and partial sale
  • Second stage transactions
  • Seller note refinance

Additional Resources

How ESOPs Influence Your Company's Future

Establishing an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) can help gain financial liquidity, expand employee involvement, and plan for your business' future.

6 Reasons to Consider an ESOP for Your Business

Business owners can benefit from selling his or her business to employees using an employee stock ownership plan (ESOP). Here are 6 reasons to consider.

The Ins and Outs of Transitioning to an ESOP

If you're transitioning your business to an ESOP, here's everything to know about Employee Stock Ownership Plan structures, tax advantages, and more.

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