In most cases, this is a strong advantage. In many businesses, the key risk from a buyer’s point of view is the risk of employees leaving immediately after a sale. Whilst the ESOP cannot stop this, it can certainly reduce the risk by locking employees in with an equity stake. Many plans which are introduced in the lead up to sale include a stay bonus – an extra contribution made to the ESOP if, for example, employees stay for 24 months after the sale. In some cases, the buyer will have an ESOP already and simply roll your employees into their plan, many will just continue the existing plan, while in some cases, the buyer may choose to pay out the plan.