Employee Ownership Trust Solicitors – Expert Legal Advice in Cheshire

An Employee Ownership Trust (EOT) is a powerful succession planning tool that allows employees to become beneficial owners of the company they work for, while giving business owners a tax-efficient and value-driven exit strategy.

Our specialist EOT solicitors in Cheshire have first-hand experience, having personally transitioned to employee ownership in 2022. That means we understand both the legal complexities and the cultural benefits of this model. We provide employee-owned business legal advice that’s practical, commercially sound and tailored to your goals.

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Why consider an Employee ownership trust?

An Employee Ownership Trust (EOT) can deliver significant advantages for both owners and employees:

Succession planning through employee ownership – ensuring business continuity and preserving company culture;

Selling your business to employees – rewarding loyalty and commitment;

Employee ownership trust tax benefits – including potential capital gains tax relief for qualifying sales;

Enhanced employee engagement, retention and productivity; and

A sustainable ownership model that protects the long-term future of the business.

How our solicitors can help

We guide you through every stage of the employee ownership trust process, including:

EOT suitability assessment

Assessing whether an EOT is the right structure for your business.

Trust formation & governance

Advising on trust formation, governance and compliance.

Legal documentation

Drafting trust deeds, share purchase agreements and related documentation.

Tax relief coordination

Coordinating with your tax advisers to maximise available reliefs.

Business sale management

Managing the legal aspects of selling a business to employees.

Employee transition support

Supporting employee communications to ensure a smooth transition.

Why choose oliver & co

As a 100% Employee Ownership Trust law firm, every client works directly with people who have a personal stake in delivering exceptional results. With Oliver & Co, you benefit from a team that is more accountable, more invested and consistently goes above and beyond to protect your commercial interests.

Working alongside us provides you with:

Specialist expertise in company law, commercial contracts, intellectual property, employment law and framework agreements.

A genuinely invested team - every lawyer is an employee-owner with a vested interest in the success of your matter.

Higher accountability and service standards, driven by a culture where staff take ownership of outcomes.

Fixed-fee options wherever possible, so you can budget with confidence.

Free initial consultations, allowing you to explore your needs without commitment.

Flexible appointments - in person or by phone - to suit your schedule.

Our process

We provide practical, commercially focused support to ensure your terms and conditions are clear, compliant and tailored to your business needs.

01

Initial consultation

We discuss your objectives, succession plans and whether an EOT is the right fit.

02

Planning

We work with you and your tax advisers to structure the EOT for maximum benefit.

03

Trust establishment

We draft the trust deed, handle company incorporation (if required) and prepare all supporting documents.

04

Transition support

We assist with employee communications and ensure the legal transfer is completed smoothly.

Related Services

Supporting your business through strong contracts

Many clients also benefit from our expertise in:

Business sales & purchases

Managing transactions with minimal risk.

shareholder agreements

Protecting investor and founder interests.

Company & group restructuring

Optimising structures for efficiency and succession.

Corporate governance advice

Strengthening board structures and compliance.

Plan your EOT with confidence

Speak to our Employee Ownership Trust solicitors for clear, practical advice on transitioning to employee ownership.

Call Us

01244 312306

Email Us

law@oliverandco.co.uk

Office Hours

Mon – Fri | 8:45am – 5:15pm