ESF+ Study on Workers' Buyout

This fi-compass study aims to enhance capacity of ESF+ managing authorities assessing the use of ESF+ programme resources in support of workers buyouts (WBOs). WBO refers to a process whereby a substantial majority of employees acquire stock of the operating company at which they are employed. The study was undertaken at EU level with a focus on mapping the WBO framework in France, Spain, Italy and Slovenia. The study intends to also provide a foundation for the future actions of the European Commission and selected EU Member States related to developing financial instruments to support WBO, including engagement with the relevant stakeholder groups and development of the WBO ecosystem. It draws on findings from a range of sources and inputs including desktop research, online discussions and semi-structured interviews and workshops with national experts.

The results of the study are featured as:

Summary report providing: WBO overview within a European context; summary of the country reports for the countries analysed; main conclusions and recommendations, including understanding of the needs and preconditions for the establishment of WBO, financial implications, potential conditions for use of ESF+ financial assistance and suggested next steps at EU level.
Four country reports on France, Italy, Spain and Slovenia, which further shed further light on investment drivers, financing supply and relevant difficulties in accessing finance for WBO models in each country. The analyses also offer conclusions to address the identified gaps.