It’s normal to an extent. I think there are kind of two ways a purchase of a small business can go and this one is going the less than ideal way. Pre-agreement, absolutely understand, no need spooking employees when even the owners don’t know the outcome. People like uncertainty even less than change! Post-agreement is ideally kind of a different story, and it may depend on whether the owner is “escaping” or capping off a successful run of ownership.

Less than ideal is a seller that has no intention of sharing the fruits of a successful sale with those that helped create it (maybe b/c they are only escaping and don’t consider it a successful exit), leaving a disgruntled group of employees behind that are now well aware that this is “just a job” for them. You mention the owner is hands-off and remote so there is a chance this is already the case and it’s a non-issue. However, many people choose work at a small business b/c its more than “just a job”…better atmosphere, less bureaucracy, more flexibility, more meaningful work as they can see the fruits of their labors, etc.

Ideal scenario is the owner brings talks to their employees about why they are selling. They explain how this is a positive thing for the business as it opens up future growth opportunities for the company and career paths…and oh by the way…everyone is getting a sale bonus based on their years of service or some other metric. Realistically, this will only happen after due diligence is completed as many deals can and do fall apart during due diligence, so it might only be a week or 2 before closing.