Mars will never sell

The week's question

In March 2025, in the thread "Re: OT, out", Umm asked the members: "Do you think it is because America is made up of magical soil that makes businesses based in America magically profitable?" This week it is put to everyone again. The button below opens the small thread re-asking it - read what others have said so far, then give your own answer as an ordinary reply.

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Stocks A to Z / Stocks B / Berkshire Hathaway (BRK.A)

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I never thought they would, but it comes up here now and again - wouldn't it be great if Mars sold to Berkshire?

Well, in looking at how wealthy families avoid estate tax I came across this:
The Mars Family Secret: How Staying Private Saved Them Billions in Taxes
linkedin.com - Mars family secret how staying private saved them billions bedrick

When Forrest Mars Jr. died in 2016 with a $25 billion fortune, something remarkable happened. The Mars family apparently avoided estate tax on that entire $25 billion. How is that even possible? The answer reveals a masterclass in wealth preservation that every entrepreneur should understand.

The Mars family, with a combined net worth approaching $126 billion, ranks as America's third-richest family dynasty. But unlike the tech billionaires making headlines, they've built this fortune quietly, methodically, and most importantly—privately.

Grantor retained annuity trusts (GRATs):
journalofaccountancy.com - Wealth transfer grantor retained annuity trusts

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