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Rethinking Corporate Structure: The Long-Term Enterprise Case

Short-termism from stock pay and activist hedge funds is eroding public companies. Long-Term Enterprises put retirement investors and employees first.

Welcome to the dynamic world of corporate structures! Are we witnessing the end of an era for public corporations? Let's explore why a seismic shift might be on the horizon and what it means for the future of business.

The Decline of Public Corporations - A Turning Tide 🌊📉

Public corporations have long been the backbone of our economy, but times are changing. The rise of short-termism, fueled by stock-based compensation and activist hedge funds, has led to a focus on immediate gains over long-term growth. This trend is shaking the very foundation of traditional corporate structures.

The Call for Long-Term Enterprises (LTEs) - A New Horizon 🌅🚀

Enter the concept of Long-Term Enterprises (LTEs), a fresh take on business ownership where the focus shifts back to sustainable, long-term growth. Imagine a world where retirement investors and employees are the primary stakeholders, steering the ship toward a more stable and prosperous future.

Aligning Interests - A Win-Win for All 🤝💡

In LTEs, the goals of retirement investors and knowledge workers align perfectly. Long-term value creation becomes the north star, benefiting everyone from the boardroom to the break room. This alignment promises a more equitable and efficient way of doing business.

ESOPs - Empowering Employees 🙌👩💼

Employee Stock Ownership Plans (ESOPs) could play a pivotal role in this new landscape. By giving employees a stake in their company's success, ESOPs boost morale, drive innovation, and promote a sense of ownership and commitment. This model has already proven successful in companies like Publix Super Markets and W.L. Gore & Associates.

The Role of Private Equity - A Transitional Force 💼💲

Private equity has been a transformative force in reshaping businesses, but it's not the final answer. While private equity can act as a catalyst for change, the future points toward more sustainable, employee-centric models like LTEs.

The Future of Public Markets - Evolving, Not Extinct 📈🔮

Public markets and corporations won't disappear overnight. They'll continue to play a crucial role in certain industries and for specific types of investors. However, the rise of LTEs suggests a shift towards a more holistic approach to value creation, one that balances short-term gains with long-term prosperity.

Warren Buffett's Playbook - Lessons from the Master 📘🔑

Warren Buffett, the Oracle of Omaha, has long championed the idea of focused, long-term investment. His approach with companies like GEICO and Burlington Northern Santa Fe provides a roadmap for the successful implementation of LTEs. It's about creating value over time, not just chasing the next quarter's results.

The Bottom Line - Creating Sustainable Value 💚📊

The transition to LTEs and similar models represents a fundamental shift in how we think about business success. It's about creating sustainable value that benefits not just shareholders but all stakeholders – a paradigm shift that could redefine the corporate world.

Originally published on LinkedIn .

Amr Elharony
Delivery Lead, Mentor, FinTech Author & Speaker — bridging banking and technology to deliver measurable digital transformation across MENA.

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