Largest 500 family businesses amount to world's third largest economy

Despite today's challenging business environment, mergers and acquisitions (M&A) remain a cornerstone of growth and capital strategy for these types of companies with the top 500 well positioned to take advantage and seize opportunities. Forty-seven percent have engaged in one or more transactions in the last two years and of the disclosed deals 34% completed transactions exceeding US$250 million.

Seeking long-term value, being agile and having an innovative approach is what gives these businesses a strategic advantage and speaks to why 34% of the companies have more than a 100-year legacy and 85% have been operating for more than 50 years. At the top end of the spectrum, a Japan-based company has been running for more than 400 years, and two European companies have been operating for more than 300 years.

Lauri Oinaala, EY EMEIA Family Enterprise and EY Global NextGen Leader, says:

"It is remarkable how, amid notable market disruptions, the world's leading family enterprises can shape their future for the better, combining a unique blend of long-term vision, resilience and drive toward sustainable growth. Their diverse capital sources and readiness for mergers and acquisitions enable them to seize strategic opportunities and navigate slower-growth periods."

Thomas Zellweger, Professor from the Center for Family Business at the University of St.Gallen, says:

"Family-owned businesses have a remarkable ability to adapt and thrive in dynamic environments. The focus of family firms on their long-term survival, combined with high concern for efficiency and conservative financing practices, sets many of these firms up for continued success."

Notes to editors

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About EY Family Enterprise

EY teams are dedicated to supporting family enterprises in shaping their future with confidence. As trusted advisors to most of the world's largest 500 family enterprises, EY teams have the experience and know-how to support you, your family, your business, and your investments. Our mission is to assist you to grow a more valuable enterprise, navigate disruptions, and manage successful generational transitions.

Through the EY Family Enterprise DNA Model, we focus on four strategic drivers for long-term success: business growth, company capitalization, generational transition, and shareholder liquidity. Our model is built on over 100 years of experience working with family enterprises like yours.

For more information, visit ey.com/familyenterprise

Lauren Mosery
EY Global Media Relations
+1 732 977 2063
[email protected]

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