Does anyone know of any ESOP software to use to evaluate how an ESOP will work for a particular company? IE incorporate tax consequences of use by an S corp? We could build a template but if someone else has done it and we could buy it that would save us some time.

Karen:

Evaluating an ownership transaction is not an "off the shelf product." It is primarily the consulting to assist the client to understand their goals and objectives.

BCI Group (a memeber of the Principal Financial Group) is a leader in assisting clients in evaluating their ownership structure, specifically related to the feasibility of employee ownership. We have developed feasibility modeling templates to quantify this analysis. Our projections result in a thorough analysis of the alternatives available by quantifying the income tax, financial, accounting, and employee benefit issues.

BCI Group is the developer of PERLS repurchase liability software. This software allows the user to model the future ESOP repurchase liability. You could purchase this software for $5,700. This is not a feasibility modeling software. It does not model the important aspects involved in a feasibility model.

We would welcome the opportunity to discuss this further with you. Please call me at 716-631-3255 ext. 3034.

Thank You,

Joseph Marx
BCI Group - A memeber of the Principal Financial Group
marx.joseph@principal.com

Karen:

I do not know of any available software product that evaluates the feasibility of an ESOP for a company. There are several ESOP professionals and organizations that can help you to determine whether or not an ESOP is a good idea for your situation. You should contact The ESOP Association (www.esopassociation.org), the National Center for Employee Ownership (www.nceo.org) or The Beyster Institute (www.beysterinstitute.org).

Joseph:

While I agree that it is important to involve an ESOP professional when evaluating the feasibility of an ESOP, I don't believe that the message board is an appropriate forum for the solicitation of business.