Succession Planning That Embraces Your Goals
We are your ownership transition partner, specializing in Employee Stock Ownership Plans and Mergers & Acquisitions
We help business owners make goal-focused financial choices that not only maximize wealth but also honor their personal and financial vision for the future.
Get the Scoop from the ESOP Insider Podcast
On the ESOP Insider Podcast, we’ll take you through all you need to know about selling your company through an employee stock ownership plan (ESOP).
Discover How Lazear Provides Exceptional Ownership Transition Solutions for Clients
Exploring Lazear: Where Expertise Meets Innovation
Discover how our firm combines deep knowledge and cutting-edge ideas to drive forward and deliver exceptional ownership transition solutions for our clients.
ESOP:
An M&A Alternative
Employee Stock Ownership Plans (or ESOPs) provide a way for owners of privately held companies to create a succession plan by selling their shares to their employees via a newly created retirement plan. ESOPs were created by Congress to encourage owners to sell to their employees and both the sellers and their employees receive very significant tax breaks.
Since 1999, we’ve helped hundreds of clients
maximize their wealth
Warehouse Management
100% ESOP Sale
Columbus, OH
Building Products Distributor
3rd Party Sale
Wayne, MI
Distributor
100% ESOP Sale
Canton, OH
Consumer Home Furnishings
100% ESOP Sale
Norwalk, OH
Contractor
100% ESOP Sale
Detroit, MI
Contractor
100% ESOP Sale
Columbus, OH
IT Professional Services
100% ESOP Sale
Columbus, OH
Marine Contractor
100% ESOP Sale
Cheboygan, MI
Manufacturing
100% ESOP Sale
Remus, MI
Electrical Contractor
100% ESOP Sale
Columbus, OH
What
Our Clients
Are Saying
“Lazear Capital quarterbacked this whole thing. I was busy running my business, so they were careful not to overload me. Instead, they slowly pieced it out so I could absorb it as we went along.”
MARSHALL RYAN, UST Founder
UNIFIED SERVICES OF TEXAS, INCORPORATED (UST)
“Lazear Capital really helped us understand the power of the ESOP and what it would do for our employees. They ensured we received a full, fair value with the best bank financing available. They exceeded our expectations.”
D. DICKERSON, UTI Founder
UTILITY TECHNOLOGIES INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION
“The Lazear team were exceptional at understanding our unique business needs and finding a partner to help us execute on our growth prospects. The Lazear Capital team went above and beyond expectation in their commitment to finding us a partner that would safeguard Wimsatt's legacy of service.”
BOB HOFFMAN, Former majority owner
WIMSATT BUILDING MATERIALS
“Through conversations with the Lazear team, we arrived at a wonderful option that maintained our culture and allowed Belden Employees to become owners through an ESOP. Knowing the transitions would feel seamless to our customers was crucial. Our employee owners that will carry on the tradition of great products to the building, masonry, and landscape industry in Michigan.”
TODD BELDEN, 5th generation family-owner
BELDEN BRICK AND SUPPLY
It starts
with you
We endeavor to deeply understand your goals so we can offer truly impactful guidance that helps shape your future while building your wealth.
Lazear
is national
With locations around the country, you’ll have an expert by your side during every step of your ownership transition.
Lead with insight, plan with purpose
Unlock the true value of your life’s work by subscribing to The Unlock by Lazear, a monthly newsletter offering tips on succession planning, aligning exit strategy with team culture, and maximizing tax planning opportunities.
Let's get started
Every ownership transition starts with a vision—one that goes beyond finances to secure a legacy, empower a team, and define success. At Lazear, we’ve spent 25+ years helping business owners navigate this journey, ensuring their next chapter reflects their purpose and maximizes value.
Resources & News
We want you to feel empowered in your choices. So we’ve created videos and podcasts with clients and team members that explore the real-world benefits of ESOPs. But that’s not all: you’ll also find industry and client news, events, and more.
- 04.09.25
- 04.07.25
- 03.14.25
Let's Get Started
We love sharing the game-changing value of ESOPs and developing succession plans that align with what matters most to you.
Let's Get Started
We love sharing the game-changing value of ESOPs and developing succession plans that align with what matters most to you.
