Exit Planning (Part 2): Considering ESOP: Sharing the Dream

Exit Planning: Knowing When It’s Time to Sell Your Lower Middle Market Company (Part 2)

Employee Ownership: Sharing the Dream

In the previous blog, we explored the challenges of passing a business to your children. Another common exit strategy for entrepreneurs is to empower their employees through an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) or a direct sale. However, this path requires careful consideration.

Are You Aware of the ESOP Intricacies?

An ESOP can be an appealing option, but it’s important to understand its complexities. Here are some critical questions to ask yourself:

• Debt Burden: ESOPs often involve significant borrowing by the company to buy out the owner. This debt can stifle future growth and flexibility.
• Leadership Challenges: ESOP governance can be complex, potentially leading to divided leadership and slower decision making.
• Valuation Impact: ESOP valuations are based on IRS regulations, which can result in a lower sale price compared to a traditional market sale.

Employee Financing: Can They Afford It?

Selling directly to employees can also be attractive. However, their ability to provide market value may be limited:

• Financing Reliance: Employees likely won’t have the upfront cash to match a market offer. This means relying on seller financing, making you the bank.
• Downward Turns, Risky Payments: What happens if the business struggles? Your income stream (payments) is at risk. There’s also a possibility you might need to repossess the company to protect your investment.

Why Selling Externally May Be a Better Fit

While employee ownership is an admirable concept, external sale strategies can offer distinct advantages:

• Unlocking Full Value: A market sale typically generates a higher return on your investment compared to an ESOP valuation.
• Clear Ownership Transition: A well-matched acquirer provides a clear path forward, with established leadership and decision-making structures.
• Ensuring Your Future: Cash from a sale allows you to diversify your assets and secure a more stable retirement income, independent of the business’s performance.

Exploring Your Options

In the next blog, we’ll delve into other common roadblocks to selling your lower-middle market company. Align’s M&A expertise can help you weigh all your exit options and find the path that optimizes both your financial security and your business’s future.