Share Incentive Schemes
We advise companies (both from a legal and tax perspective) on setting up all forms of share incentive schemes, whether focused on senior employees only, or directed at all employees of the business.
[The team] impresses clients with its "rapid turnaround of work" and commercial awareness.
Chambers | UK 2012
We assist private company clients to overcome common concerns of owners and employees, particularly loss of control and realisation of equity. In the case of publicly listed clients, we advise on the regulatory implications and required approvals. We will form employee benefit trusts where this is part of the scheme.
We also advise executives and employees in relation to their participation in share incentive schemes, whether at time of grant or on exit, or as part of employment-related disputes (including the associated tax issues).
In relation to tax-efficient share schemes - enterprise management incentive (EMI) options, company share option plans (CSOPs), share incentive plans (SIPs), and save as you earn (SAYE) share option plans - we can assist with the design of such schemes and we ensure that the scheme meets the legal requirements to secure the tax advantages for employers and employees.