Employee Stock Ownership Plans (ESOP)

Houlihan's professionals have extensive experience with valuations and transactions for ESOP and ERISA purposes. For the initial transaction, Houlihan will collaborate with a select team of leading ESOP experts to ensure that the plan is implemented in an effective and timely matter. Houlihan will provide a sound and supportable valuation that will stand up to the most rigorous of tests.

Supportable valuations are critical to the success of an ESOP. Our analyses are guided by, but not limited, to the factors considered relevant by the Internal Revenue Service which are outlined in Revenue Ruling 59-60. Fair market value can generally be estimated by using one or more of the standard valuation approaches: cost, income, or market approach.

Houlihan stays current on the Tax and Appellate Court rulings related to valuations and our opinions are prepared to withstand scrutiny from the IRS, the Department of Labor and other regulatory authorities.

Typical Engagement Includes:

  • ESOP Feasibility Studies
  • Preliminary Valuation
  • Transaction Structuring
  • Expert Testimony
  • Initial Valuation & Fairness Opinion
  • Annual Valuation(s)
  • Merger & Acquisition Advisory

Related Articles

  • Houlihan Capital's whitepaper on ESOPs