Expert EOT Advice
Robin Hartley (Partner, Employee Ownership)
Our Employee Ownwership services are lead by Robin Hartley, one of the UK’s most experienced employee ownership specialists. Robin has advised on the sale of businesses with a combined value of over £500 million to employee ownership trusts (EOTs). With 16 years of dedicated experience in employee ownership, Robin brings unparalleled expertise to businesses considering this transition.
Robin’s career spans prestigious environments including Magic Circle law firms, Big-4 accountancy, and a leading City law firm’s tax team. This diverse background has equipped him with a comprehensive understanding of the challenges faced by business owners on their journey to employee ownership.
His approach begins with thorough financial planning and feasibility analysis. Drawing on his banking and financial services experience, Robin ensures accurate financial modelling that balances fair reward to sellers, employee motivation, and business financial sustainability. Depending on circumstances, his solutions may include third-party debt, various forms of security, different tranches of vendor debt, varying interest rates, equity kickers, retaining equity, and consideration deferral.
Our EOT Services
At Level, we provide comprehensive support to businesses throughout their employee ownership journey. Our broad range of experts across corporate, commercial, employment and other legal disciplines enables us to offer seamless service at every stage:
During EOT Transactions
- Structuring the EOT and transaction for optimal tax efficiency
- Designing sustainable financial models that balance all stakeholders’ interests
- Creating appropriate governance structures for the EOT and operating company
- Drafting all necessary legal documentation for the transaction
- Obtaining HMRC clearances and handling regulatory approvals
- Negotiating with funders for any external financing
- Developing management incentive arrangements
Post-Transaction Support
- Ongoing corporate governance advice for EOT-owned businesses
- Employment law guidance including:
- Drafting and updating employment contracts and service agreements
- Designing employee bonus and benefit structures
- Managing senior executive remuneration packages
- Handling staff restructuring and TUPE transfers when needed
- Commercial contract reviews and updates
- Intellectual property protection
- Regulatory compliance across multiple domains
- Dispute resolution services when needed
- Future planning for business growth or subsequent transitions
This integrated approach ensures EOT-owned businesses have access to all the legal support they need under one roof, from the initial transition through to long-term operation and evolution of the employee-owned business.
Our Approach
We believe that the best legal advice combines technical excellence with commercial awareness and human understanding. Our approach to employee ownership transitions reflects this philosophy:
- Listening First: We begin by understanding your business, its values, and your objectives for the transition.
- Comprehensive Analysis: We conduct thorough assessments of financial, legal, and structural considerations to determine the most appropriate path forward.
- Bespoke Solutions: We develop tailored strategies that balance the interests of all stakeholders involved in the transition.
- Clear Communication: We explain complex legal and financial concepts in straightforward terms, ensuring you can make informed decisions with confidence.
- Ongoing Support: Our relationship doesn’t end with the transaction; we provide continued guidance as your business evolves under employee ownership.