US Top News and Analysis | Family investors turn to old-economy businesses like dealerships and fisheries to avoid AI disruption

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Family offices are increasingly turning to “old‑economy” assets—such as John Deere and Kenworth dealerships, blue‑fin tuna fisheries, and other asset‑heavy businesses—to hedge against AI‑driven disruption, a strategy championed by Mark Sotir, president of Sam Zell’s Equity Group Investments (EGI). EGI’s approach favors long‑term, cash‑flow‑generating investments that are less likely to become obsolete, avoiding the uncertainty of tech startups and focusing on companies with durable geographic moats, franchise protections, or quota‑based entry barriers. The “HALO” (heavy assets, low obsolescence) trend is bolstered by tax reforms that renew bonus depreciation, allowing families to deduct the full cost of equipment in the year it’s placed in service, which can offset gains from appreciated stock holdings. Dealerships, in particular, offer resilient parts‑service margins and predictable income, while fisheries and agricultural assets provide additional barriers to competition. Because family‑backed firms like EGI are not pressured to flip investments within a few years, they can acquire such assets at discounts and patiently wait for long‑term payoff, even amid inflation, tariffs, and rising input costs.

Read more: https://www.cnbc.com/2026/05/15/family-investors-economy-businesses-to-avoid-ai-disruption.html

#MarkSotir #BrianHans #EquityGroup #JohnDeere #Kenworth #UBS #Zellfamily #Familyoffices #HALO #WallStreet #

Not all leaders shine in headlines. Some shape Africa’s future quietly — through strategy, discipline, and resilience.

Full article: https://africacapitalwatch.com/2025/07/21/hidden-hands-leaders-economy/

#AfricaEconomy #Leadership #Resilience #EquityGroup #Ecobank #SwanGroup #Mauritius #Kenya #AfricaNews

Why do African governments keep overlooking real economic success stories happening in their own backyard?

Full commentary here: https://africaciviclens.com/2025/07/21/governments/

#AfricaEconomy #EconomicResilience #Leadership #Policy #Mauritius #Kenya #COVID19Lessons #SwanGroup #EquityGroup

I worked for Sam and Bob (as they insisted their staff call them) back in the day in the late 80s, fresh out of the USAF.

Equity in #Chicago was a fun place to work, very contrarian, with our big investment banker types in blue jeans and sweaters, and a hidden dildo in a reception area sculpture.

I was just a bottom-feeder mailroom clerk but was always treated well and ran into Sam himself occasionally, who was always nice.

My [alleged] destiny had ultimately nothing to do with Investing and the like after all, but I do recall my days at Riverside Plaza fondly.

The day I decided to quit and go back to Greece for a year, I walked into my supervisor's office: before I said anything she said that she had the weirdest dream, that I'd walked into her office in a bathing suit and snorkel / mask and told her that I was quitting and going to Greece.
I shit you not.

Hope you are well Laura, wherever you are.

#SamZell #GraveDancer #EquityGroup

https://apnews.com/article/sam-zell-real-estate-billionaire-68dd59e71e5b4ad18308afa0b83c07f8