Adam Neumann’s golden parachute could be the gift that keeps on giving.
According to the Financial Times, the WeWork co-founder owns millions of “profit interests” in the co-working firm, which means that if WeWork goes public, Neumann’s $1.7 billion package could grow in value to more than $2 billion.
In the event of an IPO, Neumann’s interests would would convert into stock with a value equivalent to the current share price, less a fixed “catch-up price.”
After being pushed out of his position in September, Neumann reportedly negotiated a lower catch-up price than the $38.36-per-share arrangement associated with the more than 42 million profit interests he once owned.
He now holds about 8.5 million profit interests that include a catch-up price of $19.19 a share, the Financial Times reports. He holds an additional 15.6 million interests with a catch-up price of $21.05.
Should WeWork go public and its share price reach $25, that would turn Neumann’s profit interests into stock worth more than $100 million. (Nomenclature aside, there is no sign of profit in the company’s foreseeable future.)
As part of SoftBank’s bailout, Neumann was paid almost $1 billion for his stake in the company and SoftBank settled his $500 million debt with JPMorgan and other banks. In addition, Neumann received a $185 million consulting fee. The king’s ransom was seen as necessary to get Neumann to relinquish control of the company. [Financial Times] — Sylvia Varnham O’Regan