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ESOP Releveraging Fundamentals Explained

Webinars September 17, 2026 9:30 am PT

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Continuing Education Credit Offered For Live Session Only: Generic, ASPPA, CPE

Webinar Details

In this session we will review the process, procedures, and requirements service providers should consider when releveraging shares within an ESOP. We will walk through the steps involved in structuring a new loan against existing collateral and explain how the timing of a release interacts with plan documents and trustee responsibilities. Attendees will also gain a clearer understanding of the documentation and compliance considerations that arise during a releveraging transaction. This session is designed to give administrators, attorneys, and trustees practical guidance they can apply to client engagements.

Learning Objectives

1. Understand the concept of releveraging within an ESOP structure and the circumstances that typically prompt it.

2. Learn how releveraging affects share allocation, company financing, and plan recordkeeping.

3. Identify best practices for structuring and implementing a releveraging strategy on behalf of clients.

Webinar Slides

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Webinar Replay

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Presenters

Barbara M. Clough

Barbara Clough is a Vice President at Blue Ridge Associates. Barbara has a deep understanding of the complexities involved in ESOP administration, her technical expertise includes navigating tricky administration and compliance issues. As an ERISA expert, she ensures adherence to Code Section compliance and provides strategic guidance to clients on plan design, legal matters, and IRS & DOL inquiries.

Accolades include: past Chairwoman of the Administration Advisory Committee, frequent speaker, author, Executive Committee member of the ESOP Association’s Public Policy Council and Vice President of Advocacy for the ESOP Association’s New England Chapter.

Markus Dahl

Markus Dahl is an audit manager for Eide Bailly based out of their Fargo, ND office and has been working with employee owned companies since 2017. While he geeks out on the technical US GAAP accounting for leveraged ESOPs, stock appreciation rights, stock warrants, business combinations, and noncontrolling interests, he also advises on pre- and post- transaction implementation and the overall sustainability of Company-wide strategies for providing participant benefits.

Markus graduated with a B.S. in Accounting and Finance with a minor in Fraud Investigation from North Dakota State University and has his CPA license.

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Presenters

Barbara M. Clough

Markus Dahl

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