Learn why an ESOP is better for You,
your Business, and your Employees

ESOP Exit Strategy

As we move into 2025, businesses are navigating a dynamic economic landscape marked by evolving tax policies, rising employee expectations, and the need for sustainable growth strategies. Whether your goal is reducing corporate taxes, creating liquidity for retiring shareholders, or retaining top talent with competitive benefits, Employee Stock Ownership Plans (ESOPs) offer a proven pathway to success.

This engaging 90-minute webinar will highlight how ESOPs can empower businesses to thrive in 2025 and beyond, providing insights tailored to this year’s unique challenges and opportunities.

What you’ll learn

  • What is an ESOP? A comprehensive overview of how ESOPs work and the transformative benefits they offer to companies and employees.

  • Solutions for 2025’s Challenges: Strategies to tackle rising labor costs, preserve cash flow, and leverage ESOP tax advantages to build resilience.

  • Tax Benefits for Owners & Companies: Explore ways ESOPs minimize taxes while boosting after-tax returns for selling shareholders.

  • Attract & Retain Talent: Understand how ESOPs foster employee loyalty, enhance productivity, and drive long-term growth.

  • Valuation & Financing Insights: Learn how ESOP valuations are conducted and discover flexible financing structures that support your business goals.

Why 2025 is the Year to Explore ESOPs

With increasing focus on equitable business practices, tax-efficient growth, and employee empowerment, ESOPs have never been more relevant. Research shows that ESOP-owned companies consistently outperform their peers in growth, profitability, and employee satisfaction—key factors in staying competitive in today’s economy.

This webinar is ideal for business owners, CFOs, HR leaders, and advisors seeking actionable strategies to adapt and succeed in 2025’s evolving marketplace.

Reserve Your Spot Today

Don’t miss this opportunity to discover how ESOPs can align your business goals with the needs of employees and stakeholders.

Tuesday, January 21st, 2025
10:00AM - 11:30AM PDT
11:00AM - 12:30PM MDT
NOON - 1:30PM CDT
1:00PM - 2:30PM EDT

Liquidity + Control.

Over the past 35 years more than 40,000 U.S. company owners have taken advantage of this opportunity to create shareholder liquidity without having to sell the entire company, or lose control.

Menke: Celebrating 50 Years of ESOP Excellence

Simple Succession Planning.

An ESOP offers a seamless transition for business owners looking to retire or exit while keeping the business intact. Unlike selling to a third party, an ESOP allows you to gradually transfer ownership without disrupting operations, ensuring continuity and preserving the company’s legacy.

SIX ESOP ADVANTAGES

PRODUCTIVITY

Studies show employee owners work harder.

PROFITABILITY

Productivity leads to Profitablity.

LIQUIDITY

An ESOP is a ready buyer of company shares.

SELL TAX-FREE

After-tax proceeds exceed sale to an outside buyer.

RETAIN CONTROL

No matter how large a share is ESOP-owned.

TAX DEDUCTIBLE

Repay debt with tax deductible or tax-free dollars.

Incentives Aligned.

An ESOP combines the financial interests of the employees with those of the original shareholders so that teamwork and a long-range investment perspective towards the business are in everyone's self-interest.

ESOP Pros and Cons
Free Ebook

This booklet has been developed for those owners of privately-held businesses who are interested in liquefying some portion of the equity which has accumulated in their companies.

If you are interested in accomplishing this objective without sacrificing the identity of your company, jeopardizing the jobs of valued employees, or relinquishing control of the company you own, an ESOP installation may provide the optimal solution for you hoping to achieve all of these goals.

Ready, Tax-Advantaged Buyer.

If the ESOP acquires 30% or more of the outstanding stock of a privately-held company, any capital gains tax on the transaction is deferred indefinitely. In the case of an S corporation that is 100% owned by its ESOP, the company's earnings will be entirely tax-exempt.

SIX MORE
ESOP Advantages

  • Increase Employee Productivity and Company Profitability

  • Retain Control of your Company

  • Sell Your Stock in a Tax-Free-Sale

  • Liquidity and Diversification for Seller

  • Receive After-Tax Proceeds Greater than from a Sale to an Outside Buyer

  • Repay the Debt with Tax Deductible of Tax-Free Dollars

Empower Your Workforce.

ESOPs create a sense of ownership among employees, leading to increased productivity and commitment. Studies show that employee-owned companies tend to have higher growth rates and profitability. By making employees stakeholders in the company’s success, you foster a motivated and invested workforce.

The Nation's Premier Full Service ESOP Firm

Single Source Provider for All ESOP Services

icons esop design

ESOP DESIGN & INSTALLATION

Each ESOP is custom drafted, based upon a 20 page checklist, to reflect your own personal desires and preferences.

icons esop admin

ESOP ADMINISTRATION

Menke provides full-service administration for nearly 800 ESOPs - more than any other firm.

icons combined 401k

COMBINED ESOP & 401(k) ADMINISTRATION

Each ESOP is custom drafted, based upon a 20 page checklist, to reflect your own personal desires and preferences.

icons esop feas

ESOP FEASIBILITY STUDIES

Menke prepares custom-designed feasibility studies for company owners, company management, bank lenders, and outside company advisors.

icons esop repurchase

ESOP REPURCHASE OBLIGATION STUDIES

Menke prepares custom-designed ESOP repurchase obligation studies for company management, ESOP trustees, bank lenders, and outside company advisors.

icons mergers acquisitons

M&A ADVISORY*

Our affiliate, Menke Capital Corporation, provides investment banking services for the structuring and financing of ESOP buyout transactions.

icons online esop access

ONLINE ESOP ACCESS

Proprietary paperless tool that makes your ESOP administration easier to manage and quicker to complete.

icons employee communications

EMPLOYEE COMMUNICATIONS

We make sure company employees have a good understanding of the new Plan being presented to them.

icons esop appraisals

ESOP APPRAISALS

30 years providing business valuation appraisals and fairness opinions for privately-held companies.

Stability in Tough Times.

ESOP-owned companies have shown resilience during economic downturns, often outperforming non-ESOP companies. With employees vested in the company’s success, there is a collective effort to maintain stability, safeguard jobs, and navigate challenges effectively.

About Us

The Menke Group was founded in 1974 by John D. Menke, with the idea of using employee ownership as a powerful business succession tool. Having co-drafted the original employee stock ownership plan (ESOP) legislation, he has written countless articles on the topics of estate planning, ESOPs, leveraged buyouts, and management compensation strategies.

Retain Top Talent.

Offering an ESOP is a powerful tool for attracting and retaining key employees. With ownership as part of their compensation, employees are more likely to stay with the company long-term, reducing turnover and retaining valuable institutional knowledge.

John D. Menke
Founder, President

"The Menke Group is committed to providing our clients with the highest level of expertise and service as it relates to the structuring and implementation of employee and management-led buyout transactions. We believe that by maintaining our position as recognized leaders in employee and management related transactions, we will continue to be able to bring unparalleled guidance, support and results to our clients nationwide and around the world."

Tax Benefits for Growth.

Contributions to an ESOP are tax-deductible, allowing companies to reinvest in their growth. By leveraging the tax advantages of an ESOP, businesses can free up capital for expansion, new projects, or other strategic initiatives, all while providing employees with a valuable retirement benefit.

50

YEARS IN
BUSINESS

4,000+

ESOPs CREATED

800+

ADMIN
CLIENTS

READY FOR AN ESOP NOW ?

Interested in finding out how an ESOP could work for your company?

moreinfo@menke.com
(800) 347-8357

Copyright Ⓒ 2025 Menke & Associates, Inc. All rights reserved