ESOP Advisory Services
Employee Stock Ownership Plans (ESOPs) are more than just financial strategies—they’re powerful tools for creating a legacy of employee ownership, fostering greater engagement, and promoting long-term business continuity. For businesses transitioning to or managing an ESOP, the complexities can be significant. From compliance to strategic planning to tax optimization, having qualified advisory services will sustain and strengthen your ESOP structure.
How We Do It
ARB offers a comprehensive suite of ESOP Advisory Services designed to guide businesses through every stage of the ESOP lifecycle. Our advisors have deep expertise in the financial, tax, and operational considerations essential to implementing and maintaining a successful ESOP structure. With a tailored approach to each business’s unique needs, ARB’s ESOP Advisory Services provide the guidance you need to navigate this path confidently.
Evaluate ESOPs alongside other succession options based on criteria and goals we will help you define.
Guidance and education throughout the ESOP transaction process to promote optimal financial outcomes for all stakeholders.
Help locate the key advisors and vendors needed to implement an ESOP.
Strategies that maximize the tax advantages of an ESOP for businesses, owners, and employees.
Targeted training that empowers employees to understand their ownership role.
Services and support to manage the complexities of ESOPs, including audits of ESOP-owned companies and ESOP plans.
Guidance on synthetic equity and other deferred compensation plans that align management incentives with long-term success while maintaining regulatory compliance.
Guidance on plans that attract, retain, and reward key employees while maintaining ESOP compliance.
How We’re Helping Our ESOP Clients
Succession Planning: For those looking to sell their company, an ESOP can offer a smooth transition that preserves the company’s legacy and supports its long-term success. ARB will help you assess all succession possibilities.
Tax Savings: With proper planning, ESOP transactions can provide significant tax advantages for selling owners, the company, and employee-owners. Our team identifies opportunities to minimize tax liabilities and maximize financial benefits.
Increased Cash Flow: A well-structured ESOP can improve liquidity and financial stability by optimizing financing, leveraging tax benefits, and managing contributions. ARB helps structure transactions that support both short-term cash flow and long-term financial health.
Regulatory Compliance: We guide businesses through complex ESOP regulations, helping them meet ERISA audit requirements, maintain proper documentation, and avoid costly penalties.
ESOP Plan Audits: A properly executed ESOP audit provides transparency, protects the plan’s integrity, and helps meet regulatory requirements. We will fulfill that requirement and provide valuable insights to strengthen your ESOP-owned company’s financial management.
ESOP Advisory Services Team Leaders
Benjamin A. Lord, CPA, CCIFP | Principal
ESOP Advisory Services Practice Leader
Ben helps clients unlock ESOP benefits through strategic structuring, compliance solutions, and accurate valuations. His deep knowledge of employee benefit plans and business advisory services creates tailored approaches that deliver meaningful ownership advantages while aligning with each company’s unique goals and long-term vision.
