Family values. (family businesses in Western Europe)

From: The Economist (US) | Date: April 2, 1994 | Copyright information

Family-owned businesses account for a majority of companies in many industrial nations, and account for two-thirds of Western Europe's employment and GDP. There may be a significant shakedown in these firms in the next few years as post-World War II business owners retire.

SOME 99% of Italy's companies are "family businesses" according to the International Institute for Management Development (IMD) in Lausanne. It also has equivalent estimates for Portugal (70%), Britain (75%), Spain (80%), Switzerland (85-90%) and Sweden (90%). In all, family businesses account for up to two-thirds of ...

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