Employee ownership trusts

Deciding on a business succession strategy is a complex process. Employee ownership trusts have become a popular alternative to a traditional sale and can help businesses achieve long-term success.

The John Lewis model, where the company is employee owned, is often held up as a shining example of how employee ownership can lead to long-term success. Indirect share ownership by a specially created Employee Ownership Trust (EOT) can help businesses to:

  • Facilitate smooth transition of ownership
  • Preserve culture and strategy
  • Maintain values
  • Improve workforce engagement and productivity

Who do we help?

  • Individuals looking to sell to an EOT: helping explore if an EOT will work for your business and then guiding you through the transition.

  • EOT trustees, directors, trust companies. Also banks financing transactions, reviewing EOT related documents and advising on the structure of the deal and the implications of the documents and the roles of the parties.

  • EOTs: answering queries about the running of the trust including qualifying conditions to enable the EOT-owned company to pay income tax-free bonuses and to ensure compliance with legislative requirements.

Our clients

In the last 6 months, we’ve advised, or are in the process of advising, on four EOT transactions. We’ve also provided advice to prospective trustees on technical EOT questions. We’ve helped business owners sell to a qualifying EOT, which has the following benefits:

  • Selling at a fair value

  • 100% relief from capital gains tax on the sale proceeds (a tax-free sale for most shareholders)

  • Smooth transition of ownership 

  • Continuity of firm culture, allowing the business to be taken forward by employees they trust will preserve the ethos of the company, and who as beneficiaries will be highly motivated to succeed

Our lawyers

Our tax, private client and corporate specialists work closely together to offer clear, helpful advice in relation to EOTs. Our tax team can help you navigate the often-complex legislation surrounding EOTs.

Get in touch

Our team of legal experts are here to support you.
Contact one of our lawyers today.

Meet the employee ownership trusts team