Bowers v. Russell is a recent U.S. District Court case where ESOP plan participants sued, alleging the fiduciary breached his duty to plan participants. The company in question was sold to a third party, which prompted the claims. Plaintiffs alleged that plan fiduciaries breached their fiduciary duty by (1) including a minority share discount in shares being redeemed and (2) awarding bonuses to board members and key employees that reduced the value of the redeemed ESOP shares. This article sets forth the facts, issues, and court’s ruling. Bowers v. Russell is a recent U.S. District Court case where ESOP plan…