With businesses facing major economic challenges from the ongoing COVID-19 crisis, an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) continues to be an attractive option to address the need for succession planning to sustain competitive advantage in the market.

ESOPs have many perks that range from significant tax benefits to giving equity to the employees who helped build the company. While offering many advantages in business succession, an ESOP is an ERISA-covered retirement plan with regulations to be considered and addressed carefully. Now more than ever—companies, sellers, fiduciaries, and their lawyers—must be familiar with the implications of implementing an ESOP to mitigate risks and ensure compliance with ERISA.

In this webinar, Lexology offers one of the most recognized ESOP lawyers in the U.S. to present an in-depth overview of ESOP formation post-COVID-19. David Johanson of Hawkins Parnell & Young will provide business owners tips to maximize the potential of ESOPs in succession planning, deliver massive benefits to participants, follow the requirements of ERISA, and navigate possible challenges along the way. Key topics that will be covered in this webinar include:

• ESOP Formation Post-COVID-19
• Recent Regulatory Trends and Developments
• Legal Risks and Challenges
• Practical Tips and Best Practices
• Outlook