Case Study: Balke Brown Transwestern achieves succession planning and tax-free liquidity with Enterprise Bank & Trust ESOP financing

Balke Brown Transwestern secures 51% ESOP financing with Enterprise Bank & Trust

Balke Brown Transwestern, a major commercial real estate firm, faced a significant challenge with succession planning for its retiring owners. They sought a solution that would provide tax-free liquidity, serve as an employee retention tool, and required a banking partner with a deep understanding of their business. This led them to Enterprise Bank & Trust after attending an ESOP training class at Enterprise University.

Enterprise Bank & Trust developed a two-part financing structure that enabled the newly-created Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) to purchase 51% of the company's stock. The solution offered flexible terms suited to the real estate industry's cyclical cash flow. As a result, the owners achieved tax-free liquidity, the firm enhanced employee commitment, and principals could refocus on growing the business. Enterprise Bank & Trust also replaced the firm's previous line of credit, saving them money on fees and providing a higher level of service for their depository needs.

Balke Brown Transwestern