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Ownership


Offering Minority Investment In A Family Firm Without Losing Control
For many family-owned businesses, a full sale is not the goal. The founders (and often the next generation) want to realise some value, de-risk personally, and fund the next stage of growth, while keeping the family’s name, culture and long-term decision making at the centre of the business. A minority investment (selling less than 50%) can be a compelling route to achieve exactly that. This “partial exit” trend also fits the current UK deal environment. Advisers are forecast
5 days ago


Is Your Board Really Looking After Shareholders’ Interests?
Surprisingly, many private company boards pay little attention to perhaps their most important function, maximizing realized shareholder value.
Feb 12


Why Leaving Your Children To Decide On Their Own Isn’t Always Fair
One of the most common sentiments I hear from family business owners is, “I don’t know if my children are interested in coming into the business. I certainly don’t want to force them; they have to make their own minds up.” It’s an admirable approach—one that respects the autonomy and individual paths of the next generation. But, while the intention behind this sentiment is commendable, the reality is often more complex. The question we need to ask ourselves is this: Are the c
Aug 23, 2024


Influencing Decisions In Family Businesses: Who Holds The Power?
Family businesses are often seen as a unique blend of personal relationships and professional endeavours. The dynamics within these organizations can be complex, especially when it comes to decision-making. Who really has the power to influence and shape decisions in a family business? The Family Dynamics At Play In a family business, the lines between personal and professional lives are often blurred. Family members involved in the business may have longstanding relationship
Jun 13, 2024


The Impact Of Owner Interference On Non-Family CEO Performance
In any business, let alone a family or founder-owned business, the role of a CEO is both multifaceted and demanding. As the driving force behind strategic decisions and organisational growth, CEOs shoulder immense responsibility. However, what happens when the owner's involvement becomes a hindrance rather than a support system? This article considers the detrimental impact of owner interference on non-family CEOs and the repercussions it can have on organisational success. A
Jun 4, 2024


Developing Competent Owners And Stewards For A Lasting Family Business
The ultimate goal of many enterprising families is growing a prospering organization stewarded by a committed group of united family owners. And while many succeed in developing a successful organization, they struggle with managing the increasingly dispersed and diverse family group. As the family – and with it, the shareholder group – grows, it tends to grow apart: Family members become more distant over time, both geographically and emotionally. With many more relationship
Aug 8, 2023


Top Tips For Good Governance In Family Business
Family businesses are vital to the UK economy and contribute hundreds of billions to the UK’s GDP. They have unique advantages including shared values, enduring trust, and a central commitment to the long term future of the business. However, like any other business they must also consider the challenges that confront them, and for a family run business, clear and sustainable governance can sometimes be a key challenge. There are of course two types of governance relevant to
Jun 30, 2023


Every Business Owner Should Define What Success Looks Like
“What do you mean we can’t pay dividends this year?” Elisa was incredulous. The board of the watch company she and her husband Mark had founded had just reviewed projected end-of-year performance. Usually this meeting was a celebration of another incremental step forward, with moderate growth, no debt, and significant dividends, which Elisa and Mark used to support their comfortable lifestyle and charitable donations. This year, however, revenue growth was way up, but profits
Jun 15, 2020

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