The Maran case is a reminder that any firm considering an ESOP should follow best practices. (Photo: Shutterstock)

Using an employee stock ownership plan (ESOP)  as a vehicle for a company owner to sell to family members or their management team has been made more expensive — and may become a lot less popular — after the settlement of a lawsuit between the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) and First Bankers Trust Services Inc.

Through a civil claim, the DOL accused First Bankers of breaching its fiduciary duties by approving the sale of 49 percent of Maran Inc., a private label denim manufacturer, to the Maran ESOP (employee stock ownership plan), for which it served as independent trustee.

Complete your profile to continue reading and get FREE access to BenefitsPRO.com, part of your ALM digital membership.

Your access to unlimited BenefitsPRO.com content isn’t changing.
Once you are an ALM digital member, you’ll receive:

  • Critical BenefitsPRO.com information including cutting edge post-reform success strategies, access to educational webcasts and videos, resources from industry leaders, and informative Newsletters.
  • Exclusive discounts on ALM, BenefitsPRO magazine and BenefitsPRO.com events.
  • Access to other award-winning ALM websites including ThinkAdvisor.com and Law.com

Already have an account?


NOT FOR REPRINT

© 2024 ALM Global, LLC, All Rights Reserved. Request academic re-use from www.copyright.com. All other uses, submit a request to [email protected]. For more information visit Asset & Logo Licensing.

BenefitsPRO

Join BenefitsPRO

Don’t miss crucial news and insights you need to navigate the shifting employee benefits industry. Join BenefitsPRO.com now!

  • Unlimited access to BenefitsPRO.com - your roadmap to thriving in a disrupted environment
  • Access to other award-winning ALM websites including ThinkAdvisor.com and Law.com
  • Exclusive discounts on BenefitsPRO.com and ALM events.

Already have an account? Sign In Now
Join BenefitsPRO

Copyright © 2024 ALM Global, LLC. All Rights Reserved.