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Description
The treatment of a 401(k) plan is typically one of the most critical components of any stock purchase merger and acquisition transaction. Counsel must identify potential liabilities when terminating or transitioning 401(k) plans, avoid unanticipated liabilities, and grasp how 401(k) plan liabilities will impact the transaction.
The panel will cover, among other noteworthy topics, the treatment of 401(k) plans and key factors in choosing termination or merger in an M&A transaction. Such plans often carry significant liabilities that may impact the buyer's balance sheet. Alternatively, buyers may prefer a plan merger for a period following closing and later merge that plan into the buyer's plan.
A termination or merger of a 401(k) plan can have a significant impact on M&A transactions and counsel must understand complex rules and implement strategies to identify and minimize potential liability.
Listen as our experienced panel provides best practices for avoiding significant M&A liabilities regarding benefits subject to ERISA. The panel will provide a deep dive into plan termination and plan merger, as well as complex rules that apply to the transition of benefits.
Presented By

Mr. Fay routinely counsels clients regarding the investment of plan assets and related issues including ERISA fiduciary duties, prohibited transactions and the structuring of financial products for ERISA considerations. He advises on ERISA’s Plan Assets Regulation and provides assistance to clients with respect to the application of ERISA’s fiduciary duties and the prohibited transaction rules. Mr. Fay also represents both lenders and borrowers with respect to the ERISA provisions in financing documents. He regularly counsels financial services firms and plans regarding complex ERISA fiduciary matters including clients choosing to operate funds or manage accounts in compliance with ERISA.

Ms. Lamarre concentrates her practice on employee benefits (ERISA) and executive compensation matters. She advises employers regarding the design, documentation, compliance and administration of retirement, health and welfare plans. Ms. Lamarre also assists clients with government audits, investigations, reporting and employer disclosure obligations. She regularly advises clients on health and welfare plan design and compliance with ERISA, EEOC requirements, and the ACA. Ms. Lamarre counsels clients on fiduciary matters in connection with the investment of employee benefit plan assets and employee benefits issues arising in corporate transactions, including mergers and acquisitions. She also regularly advises clients in executive compensation matters, such as compensation and incentive arrangements, including compliance with Internal Revenue Code §409A.
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This 90-minute webinar is eligible in most states for 1.5 CLE credits.
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Live Online
On Demand
Date + Time
- event
Tuesday, October 22, 2024
- schedule
1:00 p.m. ET./10:00 a.m. PT
Outline
- 401(k) plan issues in M&A transactions
- Plan termination
- Plan merger
- Best practices to avoid unanticipated liabilities
Benefits
The panel will review these and other challenging issues:
- What are the potential liabilities when transitioning 401(k) plans?
- What are best practices to avoid unanticipated liabilities?
- How will 401(k) plan liabilities impact the transaction?
- Key considerations for plan termination and plan merger
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