The company won the award for advising iNEOS on the $5 billion acquisition of BP`s global petrochemical business and leveraged legal innovation for this highly complex transaction. Mishcon de Reya LLP has an international focus with a team experienced in executing stock plan agreements in over 50 jurisdictions. The Group is characterized by EOT transitions, contentious incentives and ownership plan aspects of corporate transactions, including mergers and acquisitions, secondary buyouts and IPOs. Stephen Diosi, who is considered “one of the most experienced stock incentive experts,” passes on the practice. Another key practitioner is Neil Sharpe, who has extensive experience advising publicly traded companies on incentives and executive compensation. “My interaction with the firm is with Andrew Quayle, who is exceptional in providing complex advice with absolute clarity. I recently used it on one of the most challenging projects I`ve been involved in, and it`s been outstanding. Addleshaw Goddard is regularly appointed by a wide range of employers, from large publicly traded companies to start-ups, to advise on executive compensation, compensation policies, corporate governance issues and the incentive aspects of large corporate transactions, among others. Jonathan Fletcher Rogers, director of the practice, who is described as “extremely knowledgeable and expert in employee share ownership programs,” receives praise from clients. Another important practitioner is Martin Griffiths of Leeds. “Ashurst reviewed our stock ownership plan rules and drafted our stock by-law rules.

They were extremely efficient and accessible. Shoosmiths LLP is particularly popular with private companies and start-ups seeking advice on the implementation of their incentive agreements and stock plans. Another notable area of strength within the team is private equity transactions, which often work with target firms` lawyers to improve existing systems and compensation packages. The group is led by Tom Wilde, who has extensive expertise in advising on tax-efficient investments and equity programs such as EMI options. Anika Chandra left the firm in May 2022 to join Osborne Clarke LLP. “They helped us create an innovative shareholding plan for a non-European workforce using phantom shares. The solution was easy to implement and use, avoided complex regulatory issues, and offered the same benefits across our group. Our leaders are enthusiastic. Ashurst is particularly known for his expertise in handling incentives in complex corporate transactions and recently advised WM Morrisons Supermarkets on the impact of the acquisition by Clayton, Dubilier & Rice on its ownership plans. One of the key points of contact is Senior Partner Rebecca Servian, who works closely with the firm`s digital solutions team to advise private, high-growth and start-up companies on tax-efficient equity programs. Senior consultant Nicholas Stretch left the company in June 2022.

These allow employees to only hold shares that contribute to the future increase in the value of the company. Growth stocks can allow employees to hold shares instead of options, and participating only in the increase in value has the advantage of limiting the tax payable. Osborne Clarke LLP`s “highly skilled and responsive” team regularly advises national and international private and public companies on the full range of benefits, from executive-level incentives to programs for all employees. The firm is led by Michael Carter, who has more than 20 years of experience and is a member of the Employee Stock Ownership Association. He is joined by Dan Sharman, Deputy Director and Certified Tax Advisor, and Anika Chandra, who joined the firm from Shoosmiths LLP in May 2022. “Always very responsive, articulate and able to provide advice in a way that is appropriate for immediate presentation to a range of stakeholders with a different understanding of the law.” Taylor Wessing LLP has a proven track record in technology and life sciences and regularly assists early-stage and venture capital firms with US investment transactions and UK equity plan agreements. Leading the group is Ann Casey, “responsive, detailed and accurate”, who has over 30 years of experience advising domestic and international clients on the tax aspects of equity incentives. She is supported by Karen Bail, whose expertise spans multi-jurisdictional systems and executive compensation issues, and Katie Lewis, who is highly respected for her “valuable advice related to EMI options.” “Good practical advice. Matt Findley is one of the top professionals when it comes to stock systems. Always understands the context of the company and advises accordingly.

Phantom Shares: The Company makes a cash payment to the employee that reflects the Company`s share price and/or dividend. Eversheds Sutherland (International) LLP is able to “advise on the legal and tax aspects of systems involving foreign components” and assists public and private companies, including London Heathrow Airport, Rolls Royce and AstraZeneca, in the design and implementation of incentive schemes. Based in Leeds, Mathew Gorringe, who has over 25 years` experience advising on the incentive aspects of mergers and acquisitions and IPOs, leads the team. Another key name is London-based Danny Blum, “who works effectively with colleagues in Singapore, China and the US to support cross-border mandates”. There are different types of systems.