Category: Finance and Investing
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ESOPs as Vehicles for Growth, The Acquisition Opportunity in 2026
For decades, ESOPs have been framed primarily as a succession solution, a thoughtful and values-aligned exit for retiring founders. That narrative is no longer complete. As we move into 2026, employee-owned companies are increasingly being recognized not just as responsible stewards of legacy businesses, but as engines for growth, disciplined capital allocators, and credible, competitive…
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ESOP CEOs Drive Value and Reduce Risk through Acquisitions
Employee ownership is good business, and employee-owned companies make for successful acquirers. In a crowded market for lower-middle market acquisitions, ESOPs stand apart. Few market participants can match an ESOP’s attractiveness as a well-capitalized buyer that preserves the sellers’ legacy, provides their employees future wealth-building opportunities, and potentially allows the sellers to defer a portion…
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40 Million Owners has joined 3LS, Inc.
3LS, Inc., an employee-owned family of companies, announced today that it acquired 40 Million Owners to join its growing 3LS Professional Services division. 3LS is a rapidly growing ESOP holding company of 18 employee-owned companies, unified in their mission to empower good, with nearly 700 employees and five offices across the U.S. The 40 Million…
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Target Selection: The Strategic Foundation of ESOP Growth Through Acquisition
Acquisitions carry high stakes for any business, but for employee-owned companies, the stakes are even higher. Every acquisition decision directly affects employees, shaping their retirement wealth, career opportunities, and sense of ownership. A well-chosen target accelerates growth and strengthens culture, while a poorly chosen one can erode trust and weaken the ownership model itself. Target…
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Offense is the Best Defense: Why ESOPs Need an M&A Playbook Now
Employee-owned companies can capitalize on a dynamic small business M&A market and use acquisitions to compete, grow, and fulfill their fiduciary duty. Small businesses that employ tens of millions of American workers will sell to new owners this decade, creating both a risk and an unprecedented opportunity to transition these businesses to long-term, sustainable ownership…
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The Force Multiplier
Why Investors and Businesses Are Betting on Employee Ownership When Bob Moore, co-founder and CEO of Bob’s Red Mill, passed away in February 2024, he left behind more than just a successful whole-grain foods brand—he left a legacy of employee ownership. In 2010, he made the bold decision to transfer 100% ownership of the company…
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ESOP CEOs Drive Value and Reduce Risk through Acquisitions
Employee ownership is good business, and employee-owned companies make for successful acquirers. In a crowded market for lower-middle market acquisitions, ESOPs stand apart. Few market participants can match an ESOP’s attractiveness as a well-capitalized buyer that preserves the sellers’ legacy, provides their employees future wealth-building opportunities, and potentially allows the sellers to defer a portion…
40 MILLION OWNERS 