Custom Employee Stock Ownership Plan Formations
We don't believe in cookie-cutter ESOPs. Our multidisciplinary team builds custom strategies, focused on creating value for all stakeholders, including business owners, plan participants, and their communities. From structuring responsive plans to completing efficient transactions, CSG has helped hundreds of middle market companies across all industries.
Our ESOP advisors also work with established, employee-owned businesses to optimize their plans and help them grow through strategic acquisitions.
Education-Focused
We want clients to make informed decisions, and we strive to bring clarity to all aspects of these complex transactions.
Data-Driven
Our team leverages proprietary analytics to deliver comprehensive solutions for any employee ownership situation.
Tested & Experienced
Our transaction volume is unmatched, our institutional knowledge is extensive, and our bench is deep.
Quarterbacking Leveraged ESOP Transactions
Our approach is rooted in quantifiable analysis and high-touch service. That includes creating rigorous feasibility studies, performing extensive due diligence, collaborating with our clients’ trusted advisors, and maintaining a grounded approach to transaction execution.
Goal Assessment
Once stakeholders understand the pros and cons of employee ownership, we seek to appreciate the financial drivers, legacy considerations, and risk tolerances of all parties. This can help clarify the potential fit of an ESOP strategy.
Financial Analysis
Our ESOP feasibility studies are bespoke, objective, and comprehensive. All analysis is performed in-house in order to deliver consistent insights on fair market valuation, optimal structures, estate planning considerations, and transaction alternatives.
Deal Structuring
Once stakeholders understand the viability and costs of a potential ESOP strategy, we start the painstaking process of building a transaction. Following an extensive due diligence process, our advisors finalize a deal's structure and coordinate activities with all relevant parties.
Capital Raise
It takes unique expertise and an extensive network to secure optimal ESOP financing. We draft a best-in-class confidential information memorandum (CIM) and run a competitive process with commercial lenders nationwide to obtain comprehensive loan offers and negotiate favorable terms.
Negotiation
An ESOP transaction isn't complete until a sponsor and a trustee agree on a price and plan terms. Our experts lead all negotiations on a company's behalf and oversee the finalization of transaction documents and credit agreements.
An ESOP Case Study
Join Larry Kaplan, CSG’s Founder and Managing Partner, for a review of the leveraged ESOP feasibility, structuring, and financing process in this brief video.
Based on real client interaction, this case study highlights the key considerations and strategies behind a successful employee stock ownership plan transaction.
Solutions for Employee-Owned Companies
In addition to building employee stock ownership plans, our ESOP experts routinely advise established, employee-owned companies on a range of investment banking matters, including plan modifications and third-party sales.
Capital Advisory
Companies seeking to fund acquisitions, support operations, or restructure debt count on us to help secure bank financing from our network of investors and lenders.
Mergers & Acquisitions
When existing ESOP companies seek a potential sale or M&A strategies for liquidity, asset monetization, or growth, they turn to CSG and our affiliated broker-dealer, Synergy Capital I.