US Businessman Sells Business and Gives Employees Million-Dollar Bonuses (2 photos)
In Louisiana, US, entrepreneur Graham Walker sold Fibrebond and awarded bonuses totaling $240 million to all its employees. 
Walker explained that he was only willing to sell the business to a buyer willing to donate 15 percent of the proceeds to the employees. Although Fibrebond employees did not own shares and were not formally entitled to payments, Walker wanted to give them a generous parting gift and support those who would remain with the company after his departure.
The bonuses were distributed among 540 employees. On average, each employee will receive approximately $443,000, with the payment amount depending on their length of service. The money will be paid out gradually over five years. 
Employees will remember Walker as a real-life "Santa Claus." Many initially dismissed the news as a joke, but in July they received their first payment envelopes. Employees say the bonuses have significantly improved their lives. Some were able to pay off mortgages and other debt, buy a car, or pay for family education or relocation. Some decided to save the money for the future.
Fibrebond was founded in 1982 by Graham's father, Claude Walker. At the time, it employed just 12 people, building hangars for electrical and telecommunications equipment. Over time, the company grew significantly.
