Lazear Completes an ESOP Formation for a Midwest Food Manufacturer

Lazear Capital Partners is proud to announce the sale of 100% of the stock of a Midwest Fresh Food Manufacturer to an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP). Lazear Capital, a Columbus-based investment banking firm, was engaged by the company’s owner to provide expertise in structuring a solution that optimized his objectives.

The Company greatly values its privacy and asked Lazear Capital not to disclose either its name or the specifics of its industry. The manufacturer provides full-service fresh food manufacturing to a broad range of customers. The company is indisputably a national leader in its industry segment and has enjoyed a long history of growth and profitability. The owner approached several advisors before talking to Lazear Capital to better understand all his succession, financing, and liquidity options.

Lazear Capital undertook an extensive feasibility analysis and the owner came to believe that an ESOP was the best fit for the Company. Lazear Capital’s team worked with the owner, his CFO, and counsel to design a custom solution that included employee benefits, financial flexibility, and maximized tax advantages. The financing Lazear Capital structured will allow the company to maintain a liquidity cushion while supporting its strong growth.