The Ohio Employee Stock Ownership Trust Agreement is a legally binding document that establishes the rules and regulations governing stock ownership within a company located in the state of Ohio. This agreement outlines the provisions for transferring shares of stock to eligible employees, ensuring transparency and fairness in the process. The Ohio Employee Stock Ownership Trust Agreement is designed to promote employee ownership and establish an ESOP (Employee Stock Ownership Plan) within a company. This plan allows employees to become partial or full owners of the company by receiving shares of stock or stock options. There are several types of Ohio Employee Stock Ownership Trust Agreements, each with distinct characteristics and purposes. Some examples include: 1. Non-Leveraged ESOP: This type of agreement allows the ESOP to acquire shares of stock without the use of borrowed funds. The company either contributes newly issued shares or sells existing shares to the ESOP. The ESOP then allocates these shares to eligible employees, who become beneficial owners of the shares over time based on their length of service or other specified criteria. 2. Leveraged ESOP: In this arrangement, the ESOP borrows funds from a financial institution, using the borrowed funds to purchase shares of stock from existing shareholders or new stock issuance. The acquired shares are then allocated to eligible employees, similar to a non-leveraged ESOP. Over time, the company contributes funds to the ESOP, which are then used to repay the borrowed funds. 3. S-Corporation ESOP: This type of agreement is specific to S-Corporations, which are a specific type of closely held corporation. An S-Corporation ESOP allows the company to establish an ESOP and enjoy certain tax advantages. The ESOP acquires shares of stock from existing shareholders or new stock issuance, and employees become beneficial owners of these shares based on the established criteria. The Ohio Employee Stock Ownership Trust Agreement typically includes provisions related to the valuation of the company's stock, the allocation of shares to employees, voting rights of ESOP participants, and procedures for repurchasing or selling shares. It also outlines the fiduciary duties and responsibilities of the trustee(s) appointed to manage the ESOP assets. By establishing an Ohio Employee Stock Ownership Trust Agreement, companies can foster a sense of ownership and loyalty among employees while providing an opportunity for them to share in the company's financial success. This agreement ensures that the ESOP operates in compliance with state and federal laws, benefiting both the company and its employees.