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Alfredo de Massis

Shortlist announced for the European Families in Business Awards 2018

June 5, 2018

The annual European Families in Business Awards is a golden opportunity to see great examples of family businesses adapting and leading in their respective industries, while preserving proud traditions.

Automation, disruption, and the rise of artificial intelligence—all these 21st century technology trends can be seen as both challenges to existing family businesses and opportunities. Two vital ingredients to help business families prosper in the future and use these trends to their advantage are adaptation and leadership.

Italian family business reputations largely unscathed by Prada tax probe

October 2, 2014

The reputation of Italian family businesses will escape unscathed despite news of yet another high-profile family being hit by allegations of tax avoidance, according to a family business academic.

The reputation of Italian family businesses will escape unscathed despite news of yet another high-profile family being hit by allegations of tax avoidance, according to a family business academic.

This week, family-owned Prada announced that its two chief executives, Miuccia Prada and Patrizio Bertelli, are under investigation for inconsistent tax filings during the decade their holding company was based in Luxembourg.

Indesit sale could be wake up call for Italy to support family businesses

July 17, 2014

Last week’s sale of kitchen appliance manufacturer Indesit, the latest in a long line of large Italian family businesses recently sold to foreigners, could be a wake up call for the government to make the country more business friendly, a family business academic says.

The Merloni family sold its controlling 60.4% stake in the company to US competitor Whirlpool for €758 million, bringing to an end four generations of family control. It was the largest producer of home appliances in Italy.

Italian family businesses reluctant to expand

July 9, 2014

The size of family business workforces is comparatively static to non-family companies even as revenues fluctuate, according to a new study.

The size of family business workforces is comparatively static to non-family companies even as revenues fluctuate, according to a new study.

Sales and employment changes in entrepreneurial ventures with family ownership,published in the Journal of Small Business Management, found technology-based family businesses in Italy were equally resistant to hiring new staff in times of growth as they were to laying of staff in troubled times.