john elkann

CampdenFB celebrates in October the Top 75 leading lights in the family business and family office space over its 75 issues. Last week we profiled the key ones-to-watch in the Emerging Markets of the world. We turned our attention to the inspirational figures in Asia-Pacific in the week before and the major players in the Americas at the start of this series. This week, for the fourth and final section, we focus on arguably the heart of the global community of multigenerational family businesses of wealth—Europe. 

The family principal behind Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) has pledged to build on the legacy of Sergio Marchionne, his friend and non-family chief executive, who is credited by many with rescuing the automaking group from bankruptcy.

John Elkann, chairman and chief executive of the Agnelli family-controlled holding company Exor, paid tribute to Marchionne, who died suddenly today in intensive care in Zurich aged 66 from complications from shoulder surgery.

Exor, the multi billion dollar investment vehicle for the Agnelli family, has become the largest shareholder in The Economist Group after British owner Pearson sold its 50% stake to a group of families for £469 million ($731 million).

Under the terms of the deal, Exor Spa, headed by fifth-gen John Elkann, will pay £287 million to increase its stake to 43.4% from 4.7% and the Economist Group will buy back the remainder of Pearson’s stake for £182 million.

Italian carmaker Ferrari may return to family control during an initial public offering this year if current owner Fiat introduces a “loyalty share” plan that will boost voting rights of established investors.

Loyalty shares have recently caused a divide between family businesses and institutional investors in Italy. Introduced by the Matteo Renzi-led government last year, they allow shareholders double voting rights if they hold stock longer than two years.