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family business research

FB Roundup: Swire Pacific, Volkswagen, and family firm philosophy

March 16, 2018

Cathay losses offset by property at Swire Pacific; VW cars using more diesel following recall; and governance, employee care characterise family firms

Cathay losses offset by property at Swire Pacific

Swire Pacific has reported a HK$4.7 billion ($600 million) profit for 2017, as losses from subsidiary Cathay Pacific were offset by property sales.

The Hong Kong arm of UK-based family investment vehicle John Swire & Sons (JS&S) posted revenues of $10.2 billion, up 29% from 2016, off the back of the settlement of a large property deal.

Half of wealthy business owners have made a will, says new study

May 18, 2017

A startling 49% of business owners have not made a will, and 22% say they have not started any form of wealth transfer planning.

A startling 49% of business owners have not made a will, and 22% say they have not started any form of wealth transfer planning, new research suggests.

The report, Business owners & wealth transfer: Applying the lessons learned in business to wealth transfer, surveyed 384 business owners in Canada, the United States, and the United Kingdom, each worth an average of $6.4 million.

New generation of Asian entrepreneurs are in business for the long haul

December 2, 2015

Entrepreneurs in Asia are more likely to take a long-term approach to their enterprise, according to new research – less than a quarter in China intend to exit their businesses compared to half in the UK.

They are also more likely to keep their wealth in the business, with the average turnover in the region sitting at $12 million, compared to $6 million in the West; while their personal wealth is averages $16.2 million – 26% lower than Western entrepreneurs in the US and Europe.

Majority of European family businesses tapping into international markets

November 25, 2015

Three quarters of European family businesses are operating internationally, and 23% say furthering growth abroad is their top priority over the next two years, according to new research.

Three quarters of European family businesses are operating internationally, and 23% say furthering growth abroad is their top priority over the next two years, according to new research.

This is at odds with a common perception that family businesses tend to be domestically-focussed, said the KPMG report European Family Business Trends.

The report was based on research that included surveys with 125 family businesses and a further 125 high net worth individuals.

Risk management lacking in US family businesses

January 22, 2015

More than two-thirds of family businesses in the US have failed to implement formal risk management procedures, despite the majority recognising that threat identification is a top priority, new research has revealed.

Family Enterprise Risk Index 2015, published by strategic risk and insurance advisor Crystal & Company, found that 66% of respondents believed that risk management was a top strategic objective, but found only 30% had implemented formal processes.

New family business demographic coined in new research

September 17, 2014

Family businesses are mirroring changes in society in “blended family businesses”, according to a new report released by UK-based Families in Business, which include any family firm that has invited members of a second family into senior positions.

Dani Saveker, CEO of the consultancy and research company, who coined the term, believes they will become increasingly important over the coming years.

Widening generational gap threatens smooth succession

April 15, 2014

The generational gap between baby boomers and millennials involved in family businesses is widening due to megatrends such as climate change and new technologies, according to a PwC survey that assesses next gens’ attitudes to the family business.

Business founders in Asia delaying succession

December 10, 2013

Business founders in Asia are delaying passing the reins on to the next generation, despite wanting to keep their company in family hands, a new report out of Singapore reveals.

Business founders in Asia are delaying passing the reins on to the next generation, despite wanting to keep their company in family hands, a new report out of Singapore reveals.

According to Asian business families succession: going the distance with the next generation, the first generation of a family firm is only likely to cede management control in their 70s.

Australian family businesses pessimistic about future

July 11, 2013

Only a quarter of Australian family businesses saw an increase in profitably and market share over the past three years, and less than half expect the market to improve in the next year, according to research out of a Melbourne university.

The report also found family businesses did not feel the federal government gave them enough support.

Produced by RMIT University, Australian family businesses: Surviving, not thriving, found only 40% expect the market to improve in the next 12 months.