EUROPEANCHAPTER

Société Générale has launched its 2025 global employee share ownership program, allowing eligible employees and retired former employees to subscribe to a capital increase under preferential terms, with the subscription period running from June 2 to June 16, 2025. Up to 12 million new shares will be offered at a 20% discount (€35.76 per share), with the capital increase scheduled for July 24, 2025, and the new shares becoming tradable around July 29. The program, the Group’s 32nd of its kind, aims to foster long-term employee involvement and aligns with its broader policy to engage staff in the company’s development and value creation.

The UK government is launching PISCES, a new regulated marketplace allowing periodic secondary trading of private company shares, primarily for sophisticated investors, employees, and select insiders. New legislation will enable employee stock options under EMI and CSOP schemes to be exercised during PISCES trading events without losing their tax benefits, addressing liquidity challenges in private markets. PISCES also offers advantages like Stamp Duty exemptions, lighter disclosure requirements, and greater flexibility, potentially providing private companies with a new pathway toward liquidity and eventual public listing.

With IPOs increasingly delayed, employees at private companies are questioning the value of equity compensation, which was once seen as a path to significant wealth. To retain and motivate staff, HR teams are emphasizing transparency, educating employees about equity, and exploring alternatives like tender offers to provide liquidity before an IPO. As equity becomes a less certain benefit, companies are also highlighting other aspects of compensation and promoting a culture of ownership and open communication.

Renault Group is continuing its commitment to employee share ownership with the fourth edition of its Renaulution Shareplan, offering nearly 100,000 employees across 30 countries three free shares and the chance to buy additional shares at a 30% discount. From May 12–30, 2025, eligible employees in 24 countries can subscribe at €31.34 per share, significantly below the €44.76 reference price, with further benefits including free shares for each purchased share. This initiative underscores Renault’s focus on inclusive value sharing and employee engagement in the company’s long-term success.

Nexans will launch its 11th employee share offering, “ACT 2025,” in the second half of 2025, allowing employees in 28 countries to purchase shares through a leveraged and secured plan, with a 20% discount on the reference price. This initiative reflects Nexans' ongoing commitment to employee involvement in the company’s performance and will include both direct share subscriptions and participation through company savings plans (FCPE), with a required five-year holding period. The final terms, including the subscription price, will be set on June 20, 2025, and shares are scheduled for settlement and delivery on July 30, 2025.