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Small Business Owners Resist $89 Billion PE Buyout Surge

3/16/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Private equity buyouts of small businesses valued at $100 million or less totaled $89 billion last year, up 56% since 2015.
Advocates say private equity (PE) firms drive growth and job creation.
Small-business owners Jay Cunningham and Craig Jacomine resist selling to PE firms.
As baby boomer owners retire, over a million small businesses may be sold by 2035, fueling opposition to PE buyouts.

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Story summary

Private equity buyouts of small businesses valued at $100 million or less totaled $89 billion last year, up 56% since 2015.
Advocates say private equity (PE) firms drive growth and job creation.
Small-business owners Jay Cunningham and Craig Jacomine resist selling to PE firms.
As baby boomer owners retire, over a million small businesses may be sold by 2035, fueling opposition to PE buyouts.