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M&A: Families on the front foot as recovery boosts M&A activiy

August 26, 2010

Marc Smith analyses the trends

Just a few years ago they were analogous to the gluttonous charicatures in a Hogarth painting, but M&A deals have been on the equivalent of a corporate Atkins diet of late.

The biggest deal this year involves a family-controlled Indian business in the telecommunications sector with a price tag of $11 billion.

In sharp contrast, when we last covered the family business M&A story in the summer of 2007, the largest deal was a joint $96 billion bid for ABN Amro by the Botin family-controlled Santander group in partnership with RBS and Fortis.

M&A: Top family businesses M&A deals 2010

August 25, 2010

The M&A market has been transformed over the last few years as the mega deals of the boom years have given way to more modest strategic transactions. Here are the year's largest M&A deals involving family firms

01 $11 billion Reliance Infratel's merger with GTL Infrastructure

Top five family business mergers and acquisitions 2010

April 21, 2010

In sharp contrast to last year, it is no secret that the first quarter of 2010 has seen an increase in merger and acquisition activity, writes Katie Barker

In sharp contrast to last year, it is no secret that the first quarter of 2010 has seen an increase in merger and acquisition activity, writes Katie Barker.

Pharma giant Merck to expand in US

March 1, 2010

Merck KGaA, the family-owned pharmaceutical and chemical company, announced yesterday it is to buy US-based Millipore Corporation in a deal worth €5.3 billion.

Merck KGaA, the family-owned pharmaceutical and chemical company, announced yesterday it is to buy US-based Millipore Corporation in a deal worth €5.3 billion.

Merck, in its 12th-generation of family ownership, said the deal to acquire the life sciences company will create a business with €2.1 billion in revenues and access to "an attractive growth market".

News: Merck Group wins IMD-Lombard Odier Global Family Business Award

December 3, 2009

There are reasons why the 12th-generation business famous for its pharmaceutical products is one of the most successful family businesses in the world reports Marc Smith

Merck Group, the Germany-based pharmaceutical and chemical company, was awarded the 14th annual IMD-Lombard Odier Global Family Business Award in October in recognition of the business' pioneering spirit and encouragement of the next generation.

The company, which has roots dating back to 1668, is the oldest in the chemical and pharmaceutical industry. Today, Merck employs 33,000 people in 60 countries and recorded 2008 revenues of €7.6 billion.

Editorial: Success + failure = family business

December 3, 2009

Success and failure, good deeds and bad – 2009 has had it all, which is why this final issue of the year contains every aspect of family business endeavour.

Success and failure, good deeds and bad – 2009 has had it all, which is why this final issue of the year contains every aspect of family business endeavour. We start Issue 44 with a look at the family behind Merck, who won the 14th annual IMD-Lombard Odier Global Family Business Award in October. Of all the families in this issue, perhaps they have been the most successful, negotiating as they have 12 generations of family ownership.

Celebrating 20 years of the FBN

October 8, 2009

Last week saw the Family Business Network hold its 20th annual conference in Amsterdam. Despite the many talking points from conferences over the last 20 years, the focus of this summit was very much the future, writes Katie Barker