Band 5
Provided by Sarah Ferguson
Employee Incentives & Benefits
I am a Tax partner, based in our London office and specialising in incentives. I advise both listed and private companies on their executive remuneration and all-employee incentive structures, including the design, implementation and operation of share-based and cash-based plans, their global implementation, related trust and tax work, and support on large cross-border transactions.
Known for my practical approach in tackling potential incentives problems and for my 'can-do' attitude, I delight in finding solutions to any issues swiftly and cost-effectively for my clients.
I have over 15 years’ experience of advising private companies and AIM-listed companies, as well as numerous FTSE 100 and FTSE 250 companies, share plan administrators and trustees on the global incentives aspects of their transactions and advisory matters, including global rollouts.
With an especially strong background in transactional and global work, I have supported both clients and my corporate colleagues through many large private company acquisitions/investments. In the listed arena, I have advised on many high-profile IPOs, takeovers, rights issues/placings and demergers.
My particular focus is on tax-favoured enterprise management incentive (EMI) option plans. I also advise on growth shares, long-term incentive plan (LTIPs), tax-advantaged company share option plans (CSOPs), share incentive plans (SIPs) and sharesave (SAYE) plans, as well as non-tax advantaged share plans.
As an active member of the share plans industry, I am privileged to have sat on the tax committee of the Share Plan Lawyers Organisation since 2015.
Solicitors Regulation Authority, 2010
I have travelled broadly (including a stint living in New England, USA and later Prague, Czech Republic) but now enjoy a peaceful life in Yorkshire with my husband, spiced up by my role as Head of the Employee Incentives & Benefits team for Two Birds London and our three rambunctious children. My hobbies include crafting, baking, skiing, hiking and reading – crime fiction is my favourite. Who doesn’t love a good Agatha Christie?
Provided by Chambers
Sarah Ferguson of Bird & Bird has experience advising corporate clients on multi-jurisdictional incentives plans, as well as work on Enterprise Management Incentive option plans. She is able to advise on the tax elements of incentives problems.
Provided by Chambers
Sarah is clear and helpful in her advice.
Sarah was an extremely capable, effective and good-natured colleague during our business.
Sarah has a great attitude, is very supportive and has strong knowledge.
Sarah is highly knowledgeable and is able to explain relevant information in clear and precise terms.
Sarah has incredible technical expertise and she took the time to get to know us as a business.
Sarah is clear and helpful in her advice.
Sarah was an extremely capable, effective and good-natured colleague during our business.
Sarah has a great attitude, is very supportive and has strong knowledge.
Sarah is highly knowledgeable and is able to explain relevant information in clear and precise terms.
Sarah has incredible technical expertise and she took the time to get to know us as a business.