Prairie has a long history assisting ESOP fiduciaries on valuation, transaction structuring, plan design and negotiations during the ESOP sale process. ESOP fiduciaries have to ensure the procedures assumed during a transaction are well-conceived and properly documented. Prairie’s wealth of ESOP and transaction expertise allows us to effectively analyze a potential sale in its entirety and communicate the results to the ESOP fiduciary for a prudent investment decision.
We will provide valuation guidance to help the ESOP fiduciary understand the company’s range of fair market value. Our valuation process is grounded in sound principles and mimics how external investors price similar securities. Since an ESOP is a ERISA protected plan, it cannot pay more than fair market value for the shares it is acquiring. Conversely, the ESOP cannot sell its shares for less than fair market value.
Once the valuation is completed, we will conduct a feasibility analysis based on different transaction structures. The feasibility analysis serves as a decision-making tool that measures the impact the transaction will have on all stakeholders. The study combines different analyses (solvency, liquidity, financing, employee benefits and more) that cover many areas of concern that are encountered during the transaction process.
Our team brings significant experience to the negotiating table. We help ESOP fiduciaries understand the implications of a potential transaction, whether it is valuation or specific deal terms. We are cognizant of the ESOP trustee’s fiduciary obligation. It is our job to provide insightful analysis and independent advice so the ESOP fiduciary can make a prudent investment decision.
ESOP transactions range in complexity; however, it is important to have an advisor that is independent, objective and understands each deal component. We have issued hundreds of fairness opinions to ESOP fiduciaries concerning the overall financial fairness of a transaction. Click here for our fairness opinion rankings.
Since our inception, Prairie Capital Advisors has served business owners and ESOP Fiduciaries on endless ESOP matters.
