SHAPING THE FUTURE OF WORK,

ONE EMPLOYEE-OWNED SUCCESS STORY AT A TIME

Your Illinois Hub for

All Things Employee Ownership

Whether you're a journalist, business leader, or advocate—ILCEO is your go-to source for smart, actionable insights on employee ownership in Illinois. Explore curated articles, white papers, and blogs. Get the latest news, policy updates, and success stories from across the state. Journalists can access our media kit with key facts, expert contacts, and visuals.

Employee Ownership in the News

Apis & Heritage Capital Partners Adds B and B Maintenance, Inc. to Portfolio in
Largest Workforce Employee-led Buyout to Date

B and B Maintenance, Inc., a leading Illinois-based provider of janitorial services with a legacy spanning more than 40 years, has transitioned into a 100% employee stock ownership plan (ESOP) company. This transaction marks A&H’s largest portfolio company to date in terms of workforce size and demonstrates a continued commitment to scaling businesses that create lasting impact for their workers and communities through broad based employee ownership.

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World’s Finest® Chocolate

Transitions Into an ESOP Company

Founded in 1939 by the Opler family, World’s Finest Chocolate is a chocolate manufacturing company based in Chicago, IL.

Since pioneering product fundraising in 1949, World’s Finest Chocolate has helped fundraising partners raise over $4.7 billion dollars. In addition to fundraising products, World’s Finest is proud to make Queen Anne® cordial cherries and an extensive selection of chocolate gift items.

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There Is No Magical Ownership-Culture Fairy: The Hidden Cost of Employee Ownership Shortcuts

Ownership culture isn't automatic. It’s built through better management, intentional practices, and the right diagnostics—not just engagement surveys. Read “There Is No Magical Ownership-Culture Fairy” written by

Ellen Frank-Miller, PhD CEO of WORC (Workforce & Organizational Research Center).