Employee succession is gaining attention among South Korean small and medium-sized enterprises as aging owners confront reluctant heirs, limited acquisition financing and concerns over the loss of technology and jobs. An analysis of 1,500 SMEs that had agreements with Woori Bank's Corporate Succession Support Center as of the end of August found that 628 companies, or 41.9%, were considering both a third-party sale and succession by their children. Including the 2.9% considering only a third-party sale, 44.8% had left open the possibility of selling to an outside buyer, while 44.7% cited succession by children. Owners aged 60 to 69 represented 42.1% of the companies, and businesses operating for at least 20 years accounted for 60.4%. More than half, or 51.6%, held patents. The government has said it will pursue capital gains tax relief for employees with at least five years at a company when they take it over, but academics and industry officials say guarantees and acquisition financing are also needed. Japan and the United States offer models including tax incentives, financing support, guarantees and employee ownership plans. Woori Bank has completed succession consulting for 269 partner companies, including 11 corporate valuation and M&A advisory cases, while Korea Technology Finance Corporation guarantees supported 16 billion won in lending across four cases.