Campden FB conducted an online "selling the family business" survey to get the views of families from all over the world on this crucial topic.
A full breakdown of the results is provided below. Click here to read Jonathan Pellegrin's analysis
Where is your family business based?
Africa 0.8%
Asia-Pacific 18.9%
Europe 31.5%
Middle East 6.3%
North America 33.9%
South America 8.7%
How long has your business been in family hands?
Up to 25 years 12.6%
26 to 50 years 28.3%
51 to 100 years 33.1%
More than 100 years 26.0%
Have you planned for the possibility of the family selling the business?
Yes 52.0%
No 48.0%
If yes, what form has this planning taken?
Hypothetical discussion 71.7%
Planning in response to a recent offer 20.0%
Formal plan to be actioned in the future 8.3%
What is the likelihood of your family selling the business in the next 2 years?
Likely 8.9%
Possible 20.2%
Unlikely 71.0%
Has the current economic downturn increased or decreased the possibility of the family selling the business?
Increased 13.9%
Decreased 13.9%
No change 72.1%
Have you received an approach to buy your family business in the last 12 months?
Yes 45.1%
No 54.9%
Which of the following would be your preferred exit option?
Liquidating the business 7.8%
Trade sale 31.3%
Sale to institution (eg, private equity) 25.2%
IPO 19.1%
Management buyout 16.5%
What would be the principal reason for selling the family business in your opinion?
No other family members willing/able to take over 33.6%
Personal liquidity issues 6.4%
Desire to do something new 9.1%
Industry consolidation 17.3%
Receiving an offer you can't refuse 33.6%
Which of following would you anticipate being the biggest drawback to a sale?
Family issues 21.6%
Getting the right price 31.0%
Desire to create a legacy 15.5%
Desire to give the next
gen more than just money 31.9%
Would you prefer to handle the sale yourself or leave it to professional advisors?
Handle it myself/within the family 39.5%
Leave it to professional advisors 60.5%