As more US business owners retire many are selling up to their staff

Article excerpt

Six million American business owners will retire by 2035, creating a historic succession challenge. Rather than selling to outside investors or larger corporations, many are opting to transfer ownership to their employees through Employee Stock Ownership Plans (ESOPs) and similar arrangements. This shift reflects both practical constraints, finding external buyers can be difficult, and a deliberate strategy to preserve company culture, reward loyal workers, and keep businesses rooted in their communities. The trend has gained momentum as owners increasingly view their retirement as an opportunity to build employee wealth while ensuring their life's work passes to people who understand it.