Charlotte-Based Martin Landscaping Transitions to 100% Employee Ownership Through ESOP Transaction

Viking Mergers & Acquisitions Advises Second-Generation Family Business on Sale to Hansen Family Office Following Competitive Market Process

CHARLOTTE, N.C., Nov. 6, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- After more than four decades of family ownership, Charlotte-based Martin Landscaping has entered a new chapter as a 100% employee-owned company through a transaction with Hansen Family Office. The transition allows longtime owners Lisa Markus and David Martin to step back from daily operational responsibilities while preserving the company's legacy, supporting its employees, and positioning the business for continued growth.

Founded in April 1980 by Markus and Martin's parents, Martin Landscaping has grown into a respected seeding and erosion control subcontractor serving commercial and infrastructure projects throughout the Charlotte region. The siblings, who purchased the company from their parents in 2007, have spent much of their lives building its reputation. Martin has worked in the business for 45 years, and Markus for 35.

Under their leadership, Martin Landscaping has supported projects involving airports, roadways, utilities, landfills, parks, and commercial developments. Its work at Charlotte Douglas International Airport became so recognizable that the airport featured the company in a promotional video. Today, demand for Martin Landscaping's services continues to exceed its capacity.

A Competitive Process Leads to Employee Ownership

As Markus and Martin considered their next chapter, their priorities extended beyond the financial terms of a sale. They wanted to protect the company's reputation, create opportunities for employees, and find experienced leadership support that would allow them to remain involved in roles they enjoy.

Haydn Flores, Michael Elliott, and Franco Cacciuttolo of Viking Mergers & Acquisitions represented the owners throughout the sale process, introducing the opportunity to more than 200 prospective buyers and generating multiple offers.

The competitive process gave Markus and Martin the opportunity to evaluate potential buyers and ownership structures based on financial outcomes, leadership continuity, employee interests, and their desired roles after closing. Ultimately, Hansen Family Office stood out for its transaction certainty, access to experienced operational leadership, and employee ownership model.

"An ESOP can be an excellent outcome for business owners, but it's important to understand how that option compares to others in the market," said Haydn Flores, Viking M&A Senior Advisor. "By running a competitive process, Lisa and David were able to evaluate multiple offers and make an informed decision about what was best for them, their employees, and the future of the business. Hansen offered the right combination of financial value, operational support, and long-term alignment with their goals."

Led by Zach Hansen, Hansen Family Office partners with privately held businesses to facilitate transitions to employee ownership through Employee Stock Ownership Plans (ESOPs). The firm has acquired more than a dozen companies and draws on a network of more than 1,100 experienced operators to support leadership and operations following a transaction.

Through the 100% ESOP transaction, Martin Landscaping's employees now own a stake in the company they helped build. Markus and Martin will remain involved, supported by additional management resources and experienced operators who can help guide the company's next phase.

"The Viking team was wonderful to work with throughout the sale of our company," said Markus. "It was a complicated process with a lot of moving pieces, and they stayed responsive, patient, and involved from the early stages all the way through closing. I especially appreciated that they were always willing to explain things, answer my many questions, and keep everyone moving toward the finish line."

For Martin Landscaping, the transition represents more than a change in ownership structure. The employees who have contributed to the company's success now have an opportunity to participate financially in its future.

The day after closing, Martin introduced the ESOP to employees, with Cacciuttolo helping communicate the details in Spanish to ensure team members understood what employee ownership could mean for them and their families.

Martin Landscaping will continue serving its customers under the same name, carrying forward the relationships, standards, and expertise established over more than 45 years.

About Viking Mergers and Acquisitions in Charlotte, North Carolina

Viking M&A in Charlotte supports business owners with annual revenues ranging from $2M to $250M. Viking offers complimentary business valuation services, ongoing valuation updates, and comprehensive exit planning and strategy for small and middle-market business owners.

One of the largest and most successful mergers and acquisitions firms in the United States, Viking is headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina, and Tampa, Florida. The firm boasts 20 offices strategically positioned across the U.S., providing exceptional brokerage services as well as mergers & acquisitions advisory work. Over the past 30 years, Viking has successfully sold more than 950 businesses, achieving a closing ratio more than three times the industry average. Viking consistently maintains an impressive 85% closing rate, securing sellers an average of 96% of their asking price.

Visit https://www.vikingmergers.com/market/business-brokers-charlotte-nc/ to request a confidential, complimentary business valuation or for more information about selling or buying a business.

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SOURCE Viking Mergers & Acquisitions