NEW YORK CITY — Lument Securities has assisted one of the largest groups of skilled nursing providers in the Midwest with the successful sale and transition of approximately 36 operating affiliates, consisting of approximately 4,000 licensed beds, to a newly formed employee stock ownership plan (ESOP).
As a result of the transaction, the company is now fully employee-owned through its employee stock ownership trust.
“ESOP transactions are gaining in popularity in recent years and can serve as an effective solution for operating company owners,” says Laca Wong-Hammond, head of M&A at New York-based Lument. “Benefits include a fair valuation, path to liquidity, liability management, estate planning and tax advantages, while also establishing company legacy via employee retention and ownership.”
The privately held company that completed the recent ESOP transaction operates over 30 skilled nursing and rehabilitation locations, as well as several assisted living facilities across the Midwest.
Wong-Hammond and Dominic Porretta led the transaction for Lument Securities, which served as the exclusive financial advisor. As a result of this transaction, Lument’s professionals have subsequently advised or financed four of the largest companies in the skilled nursing and seniors housing sector that have transitioned to employee-owned plans, or sold an ESOP.
“The closing of this transaction is further evidence of the effectiveness of utilizing an ESOP structure for employee retention, while creating significant tax benefits for the company and its former owners,” adds Wong-Hammond.