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Madison Global Becomes 100% Employee-Owned

Madison Global Becomes 100% Employee-Owned

Business Wire05-06-2025
NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Madison Global, a premier provider of social recognition solutions and group meetings and events, proudly announces its transition to a 100% employee-owned company through the successful completion of its Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP). This milestone marks Madison as one of the first in its sector to achieve full employee ownership, reinforcing its commitment to people-first values and long-term sustainability.
For 50 years, Madison has empowered organizations to inspire, engage, and recognize their employees, said Alex Alaminos, President & CEO of Madison Global. Today, we're proud to extend that same spirit of recognition inward by becoming 100% employee-owned.
'For over 50 years, Madison has empowered organizations to inspire, engage, and recognize their employees,' said Alex Alaminos, President & CEO of Madison Global. 'Today, we're proud to extend that same spirit of recognition inward. Becoming 100% employee-owned is more than a structural change—it's a bold affirmation of our belief that our people are our greatest asset. It aligns our collective success directly with those who drive it every day.'
An ESOP is a qualified retirement plan that provides employees with beneficial ownership of the company through shares held in a trust. With this transition, all shares of Madison Global are now held by its employees, ensuring that every team member has a direct stake in the company's future.
The advantages of employee ownership extend far beyond structure, delivering strategic value that includes:
Stronger employee engagement and morale: A shared sense of ownership encourages deeper commitment and accountability.
Reduced turnover: Employee-owned companies typically experience greater retention and loyalty.
Operational resilience: ESOP companies often demonstrate stronger performance through economic cycles.
Financial advantages: ESOPs bring tax efficiencies that enhance cash flow and support reinvestment.
Talent attraction and retention: Ownership can be a compelling differentiator in competitive job markets.
Madison's ESOP journey began in 2023 as part of a long-term succession and growth strategy focused on preserving independence while amplifying its legacy of innovation and service excellence.
'Since founding Madison in 1974, I've always believed that great companies are built by great people,' said Werner Haase, Founder and Executive Chairman. 'This transition ensures that our team—who have always been the heart of our success—are now also the stewards of our future. It's a proud moment and a natural evolution of our values.'
As Madison Global enters this new chapter, it remains focused on delivering exceptional client experiences—now powered by the passion, purpose, and partnership of 100% employee ownership.
About ESOPs
The Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) is a retirement benefit that enables employees to earn shares of stock in the company where they work. First created in 1974, there are approximately 6,700 ESOP businesses in the United States, employing about 14 million employee-owners. At Madison Global, the ESOP benefit is being provided in addition to other benefits. According to research compiled by the National Center for Employee Ownership (NCEO), ESOP-owned companies tend to outperform comparable firms in their industry and show more resilience in recessions. Employees in firms with an ESOP have 2.2 times as much in retirement savings compared to employees in non-ESOP companies.
About Madison
As a global leader in Social Recognition and Groups, Meetings & Events, Madison provides enterprise-class organizations with employee recognition, incentives and service anniversary programs designed for the needs of today's ever-changing workforce. Madison's recognition strategy focuses on making managers mentors, reinforcing a sense of belonging, celebrating personal and professional milestones, and emphasizing inclusion and diversity.
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