Citation
Patagonia's Next Chapter: Earth Is Now Our Only Shareholder
TL;DR
100% of company ownership transferred to purpose trust and nonprofit
Announcement of the Chouinard family's transfer of Patagonia ownership to the Patagonia Purpose Trust (2% voting stock) and Holdfast Collective nonprofit (98% nonvoting stock). Projects approximately $100 million annual dividend to environmental causes.
Demonstrates how founder effects can persist across ownership transitions when effective population size for existential decisions remains small (approximately 10-12 people made this $3 billion decision).
Key Findings from Patagonia (2022)
- 100% of company ownership transferred to purpose trust and nonprofit
- Estimated $100 million annual dividend to environmental causes
- Decision made by approximately 10-12 people despite 5,000+ employees