News Summary
Milwaukee’s business owners are showing reluctance to sell their companies in 2025 due to inflation, tariffs, and economic uncertainty. Investment bankers predict a surge in sellers by 2026, anticipating lower interest rates. Property values in Wisconsin have risen significantly, with Dane County surpassing Milwaukee County. Local disputes, including a lawsuit over property assessments, further complicate the landscape. Staying updated on these trends is essential for local stakeholders, especially as a holiday subscription sale offers key insights into upcoming market changes.
Milwaukee is experiencing a notable trend among business owners as many are hesitant to sell their companies in 2025. Various factors, including inflation, tariffs, and ongoing economic uncertainty, are significantly impacting decisions within the business community. Local investment bankers predict a sudden influx of sellers will emerge in 2026, largely attributed to anticipated reductions in interest rates.
Current economic conditions are prompting business owners to reevaluate their positions and contemplate the possibility of selling. The increasing pressure from inflation and fluctuating tariff rates have made it difficult for many owners to retain confidence in the market, ultimately leading to a wait-and-see approach. Business owners are balancing these challenges against the potential for a more favorable economic landscape in the coming years.
In Wisconsin, property values have surged, hitting a record increase of 13.8% in 2022, according to recent analysis by the Wisconsin Policy Forum. This substantial growth in property values is noteworthy, given that property values in Dane County have risen at a faster pace than those in Milwaukee County during the same period. As a result, Dane County has surpassed Milwaukee County in total property value, reflecting broader trends in real estate across the region.
The landscape of the Milwaukee area is not without its disputes, as evidenced by a lawsuit filed by the owner of the 100 East office tower against the City of Milwaukee. The lawsuit contends that the 2022 assessment of the 100 East office tower is more than double its stated value, a matter now under consideration in Milwaukee County Circuit Court. This legal dispute adds another layer of complexity to the business environment in the city.
For business leaders and stakeholders in Milwaukee and Southeastern Wisconsin, staying informed about these developments is crucial. The economic landscape is shifting, with anticipated changes in interest rates holding implications for both current and prospective sellers. As the market adjusts to evolving economic conditions, strategic insights will be invaluable for navigating the potential influx of sellers in 2026.
The opportunity for business owners to connect with the latest news and trends is further supported by special subscription offers. Currently, a holiday flash sale is available for new subscribers, providing a significant discount on BizTimes Milwaukee subscriptions. This initiative aims to ensure that local business leaders have access to critical information that could influence their business decisions in both the short and long term.
As we look forward to 2026, the atmosphere among business owners in Milwaukee reveals a complex interplay of caution and anticipation. With the ongoing adjustments prompted by current economic challenges, it is clear that many are preparing for significant changes in the landscape of business ownership in the near future.
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Additional Resources
- BizTimes: Economic headwinds stall business sales in 2025 but rebound expected in 2026
- Wikipedia: Economic recession
- BizTimes: Dane County now exceeds Milwaukee County in total property value
- Google Search: real estate trends Wisconsin
- BizTimes: Owner of 100 East office tower suing city
- Google Scholar: property value dispute Milwaukee
- BizTimes: Northwestern Mutual’s annual meeting reinforces value of human connection
- Encyclopedia Britannica: human connection
- BizTimes: Paul D. Schoessow
- Google News: Paul D. Schoessow
Author: STAFF HERE MILWAUKEE WRITER
MILWAUKEE STAFF WRITER The MILWAUKEE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREMilwaukee.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Milwaukee, Milwaukee County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Summerfest, Milwaukee Film Festival, and the Milwaukee Boat Show. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Metropolitan Milwaukee Association of Commerce and Visit Milwaukee, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and brewing that power the local economy such as Harley-Davidson and MillerCoors. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Wisconsin's dynamic landscape.
