Business Families and Family Businesses

Since the publication of the last edition in 2018, the world has experienced significant change. COVID-19, war, economic downturn and a more urgent focus on climate change are just some of the key events that have led to increased geopolitical risk.

This third edition, co-published with STEP, looks at developments within the approach to family business advising since 2018, taking account of the current geopolitical backdrop and the shift in attitude in a growing number of clients towards succession, philanthropy and investments.

However, for those new to the field there remains ongoing guidance on: 

• how to understand the unique nature of family businesses; 
• typical family dynamics that impact succession; 
• the power of governance in supporting good ownership and management; 
• the typical stages of the family business and the key risks that will invariably arise; and 
• the different legal and non-legal approaches to tackling such problems.

Featuring contributions from leading practitioners in the field (including the Family Firm Institute, Cambridge Family Enterprise Group, KPMG, Rawlinson & Hunter, JTC Private Office, Boodle Hatfield, Forsters, Farrer & Co, Wedlake Bell, Schillings, HSBC Global Private Banking, Stonehage Fleming and Rothschild & Co), this comprehensive handbook makes essential reading for all practitioners who advise business families, including lawyers, accountants, financial advisers and wider family business advisers.