Will They Keep Your People? Here’s How to Think About It.

Selling your business brings tough decisions—and big questions. One of the hardest? What happens to your team. In this video, Kirk Michie breaks down how different buyers think about staff retention and what founders should expect during a transition.

When selling your company, it’s natural to worry about your team’s future. The answer often depends on the type of buyer.

• Strategic buyers (like larger companies in your industry) often look for operational synergies. That means they may already have departments like HR or finance—and your staff could be seen as redundant.

• Private equity buyers, on the other hand, usually want to retain your team, especially your leadership. Their playbook is about growing the business post-acquisition, which means keeping institutional knowledge.

Regardless of buyer type, founders should avoid making promises they can’t guarantee. If you’re concerned about specific team members, it’s smart to flag it early in the deal and explore retention bonuses or support options before the closing.

The key takeaway? Plan ahead, communicate with care, and involve your transaction advisor in any employment-related discussions.