How ESOP sponsors can survive the disruption from COVID-19

The spread of COVID-19 and the resulting disruption to the economy has led many employers to think creatively about how to manage cash, provide for the sustainability of their businesses and preserve the culture they have created with their employees and customers. These issues are especially critical for employee stock ownership plan (ESOP) companies, many of whom are in the process of their annual appraisal. These appraisals are important because they directly affect the size of the repurchase obligation – the cash companies must pay to participants for their distributions and diversifications during the year. Fortunately, there are some tools that ESOP companies may be able to utilize. This blog will describe ERISA fiduciary and other strategies ESOP companies can consider with respect to valuations and the related cash management needs those valuations will create.

Read the full post on our blog, Employee Benefits Law Report.