I have heard that some small company buyouts are aquihires and so the workers survive or even prosper. However, based on my experience in the computer and pharma business, filling out forms, learning about unemployment and moving have been what happens. If I had to guess when faced with a new purchase, I’d say the owners do well (or at least ok), the head shed does ok, the rest of management gets it in the neck and the workers move on to other opportunities.

If I can pass one lesson to readers, don’t purchase a house of any kind unless you can change jobs easily without moving. Having a 2hr commute isn’t “easily”.