Family Businesses Are Losing Their Heirs — What Comes Next?

Industry Overview & Challenges - US Census Bureau data indicates over half of US businesses are owned by individuals aged 55 and older, signaling a wave of transitions [4] - Approximately 55 million small family-owned businesses are vital to the US economy, employing a significant portion of the workforce [5] - A US bank survey reveals only 50% of 1,000 small businesses interviewed have a succession plan in place, highlighting a lack of preparation for transitions [7] - Rising generations often prefer inheriting cash from business sales rather than running the family business, potentially leading to job losses and community disruption [6][7] Succession & Transition Strategies - Succession planning should start earlier, regardless of business size, and owners should seek professional advice instead of relying solely on friends [9][10] - Owners should explore options beyond selling, such as becoming owner-investors, to maintain control and legacy [10][27] - Private equity firms offer options for owners to sell while remaining involved, preserving local enterprise aspects [15] Private Equity & Consolidation - Soundcore focuses on recession-resistant businesses, holding them for an average of five years [21] - Soundcore's strategy involves buying small businesses at lower multiples (averaging 59 times EBITDA) compared to typical private equity firms (12-20+ times EBITDA), indicating less competition in this segment [19][20] - The rise of large consolidators may lead to a shift from local, personality-based businesses to standardized, less community-focused experiences [25] Wealth Transfer & Business Value - Baby boomer and older households are expected to pass down approximately $100 trillion in wealth over the next 25 years [11] - Family-owned businesses constitute roughly 18% of their net worth, representing an estimated $18 trillion in business value potentially changing hands by 2048 [12] - A founder's departure can decrease business value if they control key local relationships [14]