Employee Share Schemes
Employee share ownership and remuneration in shares are strategic levers for building loyalty, motivating employees, and involving them in the company’s performance. We can help you design, implement and monitor your employee share ownership and executive remuneration plans, in France and internationally.
We have a dedicated and recognised team that combines legal, tax and employment expertise with in-depth knowledge of the operational and strategic challenges of employee share ownership and corporate governance.
Our unique and diversified experience has been built up over many years with leading clients, both listed and unlisted, in all sectors of activity. We support these clients in setting up their plans, as well as in restructuring, mergers and acquisitions, spin-offs, recruitment or departure of managers, etc.
Our expertise in this area also includes governance and related compliance issues (preparation for general meetings, say-on-pay, application of governance codes, ESG compliance, plan amendments, employee representation on boards).
Our approach is global and coordinated, supported by a proven network of local partner firms in over 100 countries, trained in the specific features and constraints of French-style employee share ownership plans (FCPE, leverage effects, etc.).
Our expertise also includes the deployment for French companies of plans under foreign law.
Areas of intervention
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We assist our clients in structuring, negotiating and documenting remuneration packages for executives and corporate officers. We take account of company law, stock market law, tax law and employment law. We also follow market practices, the recommendations of voting advisory agencies and good governance practices.
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For listed companies, we are involved in the design and implementation of various types of plans (share allocations, ‘classic’ plans and leverage effects, co-investment, etc.), in France and to be rolled out abroad. We coordinate with financial intermediaries, custodians, service providers and regulatory authorities.
For unlisted companies, we also advise on liquidity, valuation and shareholder agreements. -
We advise on setting up and managing employee savings and pension schemes. This includes company savings plans and group retirement savings plans. We also advise on supplementary pension schemes, whether defined contribution or defined benefit, and on retirement benefits.
Awards
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Chambers Europe - France 2024
Employee Share Schemes & Incentives
Spotlight
Gide is highly praised for its knowledge and offering in matters related to the implementation of employee share schemes and incentives. The team consists of several experts in the field and advises large international clients on all topics from employee stock purchases to savings plans.
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Chambers France 2025
Employee Share Schemes & Incentives
Spotlight
Their strengths are their technical knowledge, their innovative analysis of new topics and their experience with many issues." "The firm is able to react in an emergency and free up time to guarantee high-quality support.