Charlotte – November 06, 2026 -- Martin Landscaping, a Charlotte seeding and erosion control subcontractor founded in April 1980, has become 100% employee-owned through a sale to Hansen Family Office, after Viking Mergers & Acquisitions marketed the business to more than 200 prospective buyers. Deal terms were not disclosed.
Owners Lisa Markus and David Martin, siblings who bought the company from their parents in 2007, are stepping back from daily operational responsibilities. Both remain involved. Martin has worked in the business for 45 years and Markus for 35.
Viking's competitive process draws multiple offers from more than 200 prospective buyers
Haydn Flores, Michael Elliott and Franco Cacciuttolo of Viking M&A represented the owners. The owners compared bidders and ownership structures on financial outcomes, leadership continuity, employee interests and their desired roles after closing.
Hansen Family Office won on transaction certainty, access to experienced operational leadership and its employee ownership model. Flores, a Viking M&A Senior Advisor, said the process let the owners "evaluate multiple offers and make an informed decision."
Hansen Family Office brings a network of more than 1,100 operators to the ESOP
Led by Zach Hansen, the firm partners with privately held businesses to move them to employee ownership through Employee Stock Ownership Plans (ESOPs). It has acquired more than a dozen companies and draws on a network of more than 1,100 experienced operators to support leadership and operations after a transaction.
At Martin Landscaping, Markus and Martin will be supported by additional management resources and experienced operators.
Martin Landscaping's demand outstrips capacity across airport, roadway and utility work
The company has worked on airports, roadways, utilities, landfills, parks and commercial developments. Charlotte Douglas International Airport featured its work in a promotional video. Demand for its services continues to exceed capacity, and it will keep operating under the same name.
The day after closing, Martin introduced the ESOP to employees. Cacciuttolo helped communicate the details in Spanish.