Robert D. Grossman

Missouri

Polsinelli PC
900 W. 48th Place
Suite 900
Kansas City, MO 64112

Tel: 816.572.4614

Email: rgrossman@polsinelli.com
Web: www.polsinelli.com

Professional Biography

Robert D. Grossman is a nationally-recognized ESOP authority, known for his clear communication style while providing sophisticated, but practical, advice to shareholders, boards, management teams and fiduciaries of employee-owned companies, including some of the largest and most successful in the country.

Bob’s practice involves the design, drafting and operation of ESOPs as well as other types of qualified retirement plans, executive compensation programs and equity and non-equity based management incentive plans. He is regularly involved in the design, structure, negotiation and documentation of complex ESOP transactions involving senior credit facilities, seller financing through subordinated notes, stock redemption agreements, stock purchase agreements and ESOP exempt loan documents. Mr. Grossman also has significant experience advising companies on matters involving corporate governance and fiduciary responsibilities and has successfully represented ESOP companies and fiduciaries in connection with proceedings involving the U.S. Department of Labor and the Internal Revenue Service.

Bob has advised public as well as private companies, including large professional service organizations, in a wide variety of industries, including advertising, animal health, architecture, automotive, banking, chemicals, commodities trading, construction, consulting, craft breweries, design, energy, engineering, financial services, health care, insurance, iron and steel distribution, manufacturing, marketing, pharmaceuticals, printing, professional and other services, public relations, retail, security, software development, telecommunications and travel.

Professional Affiliations

  • The ESOP Association
    • Member and Frequent Speaker
    • Legislative and Regulatory Committee Member
  • ESCA (Employee-Owned S Corporations of America)
    • Member and Frequent Speaker
  • ESCA Advisory Committee
    • Member
  • The National Center For Employee Ownership (NCEO)
    • Member and Frequent Speaker
  • Heart of America Tax Institute
    • Past Chairman

While there are many benefits of implementing an employee stock ownership plan (ESOP) for companies, their owners and employees, these transactions have many complexities and points for consideration, often requiring proficiency in multiple areas of law. Our talented ESOP attorneys walk clients through every step of the ESOP cycle, from feasibility studies to plan termination.

Owners of privately-held organizations, including those that have an ESOP, face many challenges:

  • Aligning employees’ goals with those of the company and its shareholders.
  • Selecting a business exit strategy.
  • Financing growth using a tax-favored strategy.
  • Complying with Internal Revenue Code (Code) and Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA) requirements applicable to ESOPs and other retirement plans.
  • Understanding challenges related to the concentration of participant accounts.
  • Exploring ESOP repurchase liability and Code Section 409(p) compliance.

When businesses consider implementing an ESOP, navigating an ESOP’s complexities can be daunting. That is why it is crucial to partner with experienced attorneys. At Polsinelli, our knowledgeable attorneys counsel businesses of all sizes on implementing, sponsoring and/or terminating an ESOP, creating a market for shares of a privately held company or acquiring or disposing of an ESOP-owned company. When business owners work with Polsinelli attorneys, we consider the future of the business and its owners from every angle.

Polsinelli is a prominent U.S. law firm headquartered in Kansas City, Missouri. Founded in 1972, the firm has grown into an Am Law 100 firm with more than 1,000 attorneys across over 20 offices nationwide. Its expansion has been fueled by strategic growth and mergers, enabling the firm to establish a strong presence in key markets such as New York, Washington, D.C., California, Boston, Houston, Seattle, and Miami.

The firm is recognized for its client-focused culture and commitment to providing outstanding legal service. Polsinelli offers a full-service platform, with strengths across a wide range of practice areas including health care, real estate, finance, technology, private equity, and life sciences, as well as corporate and transactional law, intellectual property, litigation, and regulatory matters.