An ESOP (employee stock ownership plan) can be the right succession strategy for a craft brewer. This presentation will offer a detailed look at how an ESOP can enable an owner to receive fair value for transferring ownership while preserving the unique culture and legacy of the business even after the founder steps back. We will demystify the structure and legal aspects of an ESOP, making a complex process more approachable. Attendees will learn about the significant tax advantages both for selling owners and for a craft brewery after becoming ESOP-owned, and how an ESOP enables workers to become owners. The presentation will also provide practical guidance to assess whether an ESOP is feasible for a craft brewer.

Alan is a partner in the Employee Benefits & Executive Compensation group at Husch Blackwell LLP.

His practice encompasses the gamut of employee benefits law, with a particular focus on ESOP transactions and compliance.

Many lawyers play golf. Instead, Alan plays squash and tennis, which provide him with a frequent reminder to keep his day job.