Share Options
From employee incentivisation schemes to sophisticated succession planning, our expert team navigates the complexities of various share option structures to deliver optimal outcomes.
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Unlock the full potential of your business with strategic share option arrangements tailored to your objectives
Whether you’re considering EMI schemes to align employee interests with shareholder goals, implementing put and call options for future transactions, or establishing cross-option agreements for business continuity, we provide comprehensive guidance that combines legal expertise with practical business acumen. Working seamlessly with your tax advisers and accountants, we ensure your share option strategy not only meets regulatory requirements but also serves as a powerful tool for achieving your business objectives.
We regularly advise on a variety of share options, including:
Employee share options
Share options can be an effective way of incentivising employees and can have the effect of aligning the employees interests with those of the company’s shareholders. Conditions can be attached to an option to encourage various outcomes, for example, continued employment, the company achieving certain financial targets or the sale of the company or its business. Provided that the relevant eligibility criteria are met, the option may take the form of an “approved scheme” with beneficial tax treatment, the most common of which tends to be EMI Share Options. We frequently work with clients’ existing accountants or tax advisers to establish the best type of option and to produce the relevant legal documentation.
Put & Call Options
The right of a shareholder to require another person to buy their shares in the future (a put option) and the right granted by a shareholder to another person to allow that other person to acquire the shareholder’s shares (a call option). Put and call options can be used in a variety of circumstances, either alone or in combination. An example of their use in combination are cross option agreements exercisable on the death of a shareholder.
Cross Option Agreements
A cross-option agreement between shareholders combined with a life assurance policy over the life of each party. The cross option consists of each shareholder granting to the other shareholders put and call options over their shares, which are exercisable on death. On the death of a shareholder, the policy provides funds to allow the purchase of the deceased shares by the surviving shareholders.
How our Share Options team can help you
Why choose Mayo Wynne Baxter's legal services
Our business & commercial solicitors offer tailored legal advice for businesses of all sizes. Our client-focused approach and proven track record make us a reliable partner for businesses seeking legal support.
- Deep business understanding: We know how businesses operate
- Comprehensive services: From contracts to property, we cover it all
- Practical solutions: We offer clear and effective legal advice to complex legal issues
- Proven track record: Clients return to us for our expertise, don't take our word for it read our reviews!
Meet our team
Our other share options services
What to expect when you contact us
- Once you have completed the contact form or called us, our client service team will call you back, to ask a few questions including your preferred method of contact. This information is then passed directly to the Legal Adviser who will be working for you. Once you are happy to proceed we will gather all the relevant information and your file will be opened almost immediately so we can start work.
- A member of the Client Service Team will keep in contact with you on a regular basis throughout your transaction, to make sure you and them are satisfied with the progress of your matter. There is no additional charge to you for their involvement.
- We are here to assist you and ensure everything proceeds as smoothly as possible. You will have direct contact details for the client service team, who you can contact at any point during your matter.
Our aim is to make the process as easy and uncomplicated as possible for you.
Jo Ironside 
Jessica Partridge