In My Experience: Michael Rosenthal Michael Rosenthal joined Baerlocher in 1976 and served as its CEO from 1980 to 2004, when he became chairman of the board. Founded in Bavaria in 1823, the firm is a leading supplier of plastic additives, with operations in 14 countries and more than 1,150 employees. In this article words, […]
A sense of purpose in family-owned firms
“The importance of serving stakeholders and embracing purpose is becoming increasingly central to the way that companies understand their role in society. A company cannot achieve long-term profits without embracing purpose and considering the needs of a broad range of stakeholders.” – Larry Fink, Chairman and CEO of BlackRock This powerful message, directed at the […]
What’s the purpose of a shared family purpose?
“To whom much is given, much will be required.” This precept dates back to biblical times yet remains just as relevant as ever among multigenerational family firms. By distributing their wealth toward specific social causes and concerns – often unrelated to their core business – high-net-worth families can serve as powerful agents of change. On […]
Types of shareholders in family-owned firms
Family-owned businesses, especially later-generation firms, are supported by different types of stakeholders: shareholders, investors and owners. There’s a fourth category – speculator – that I’m omitting since it’s not worth mentioning. In my view, there is no wealth creation derived from speculation, which moreover, rarely occurs in family firms. So what are the differences between […]
Finding the best external equity investor: one size doesn’t fit all
The market is currently flush with cash waiting to be invested, with no signs of a slowdown in sight. In this context, many privately-held family businesses are considering external capital to drive their corporate and family objectives. In their search for the optimal investment partner, family businesses need to make sure everyone’s objectives align – […]