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Diary

Toasting family history

August 24, 2012

The next time you enjoy a glass of Grant’s whisky, you might find yourself discovering a little bit more about your family – even if they aren’t around.

That’s because family-owned Grant’s is running a campaign to help consumers research their own family history.

The promotion, developed by communications agency Bray Leino, is running across 528,000 70 centilitres and one litre Family Reserve bottles and offers a £10 (€12.63) voucher to use at genealogy website findmypast.co.uk.

It’s more tequila on the way for the Trinchero family business

August 23, 2012

The Trinchero family is probably raising a big pitcher of margarita to toast their latest acquisition this week. The popularity of the cocktail – made using tequila, orange-flavoured liqueur, lime and salt – in the US has led to Trinchero Family Estates adding a top tequila brand to its portfolio.

TFE has bought Tres Agaves, a company founded in 2008 to help people “simply make the most delicious margaritas on the planet”, according to the group’s website.

What does every billionaire need? Why, their own Wild West town of course

August 21, 2012

It’s a case of yeehaw for billionaire Bill Koch, who’s reportedly constructed his very own old West town.

The tycoon’s replica town in Colorado comes complete with 50 buildings, including a saloon, jail, livery, church and train station – perfect for any aspiring cowboy.

Built on his 6,400-acre Bear Ranch property, it also features broad sideways and polished brass, according to the Denver Post.

80 years of Lego celebrated with a short film

August 14, 2012

Everyone knows about Danish family business Lego, whose small and colourful toy bricks can be assembled to form almost anything. And now, the famous brand is celebrating its 80th birthday by releasing a short video tracing its foundation and growth over the years.

The 17-minute animated film, released on 10 August by the controlling Kirk Kristiansen family, tells the story of how Ole Kirk Christiansen founded a small toy company back in 1932 after his carpentry business failed.

Bettencourt sells islands – makes $42 million profit

August 2, 2012

She’s 89 and suffering from dementia, but that hasn’t stopped Liliane Bettencourt, France’s richest woman and heir of cosmetics family business L’Oreal, from raking in big by selling her islands for a cool $42 million (€34.15 million) profit.

Having bought D’Arros Island and a few neighbouring islets in the Seychelles back in 1998 for $18 million, the octogenarian has now sold them for $60 million to a firm registered in the island country.

Any dysfunctional family businesses out there?

July 27, 2012

If you’re from a “happy and peaceful” family business, stop reading now. But for those whose family firm is a bit more screams and laughter than rational discussions, Hollywood is calling.

The building blocks of history

July 4, 2012

Interestingly, for a company best known for its plastic bricks, Lego is also the biggest manufacturer of tyres in the world, albeit rather small ones.

When Ole Kirk Kristiansen started making wooden toys in 1932 after losing his job, he probably never imagined the company he founded would one day become one of the best-known brands in the world.

Another day, another award for Tata

June 26, 2012

With a building at Harvard named after him, the Japanese awarding him an Order of the Rising Sun and the UK’s Queen making him a Knight Commander of the Order of the British Empire, you’d think there weren’t many other accolades Ratan Tata could collect.

Showcasing history with a rum in hand

June 13, 2012

Bacardi, the family-owned rum-maker, has been in a celebratory mood this year, holding parties across the globe to celebrate its 150th anniversary. But it hasn’t stopped at just shindigs.

The alcohol company, which owns the eponymous rum as well as brands including Grey Goose vodka and Bombay Sapphire gin, appears keen to show its serious side and has released an archive of more than 30,000 items recording the company’s history.

Museum exhibit pays tribute to Porsche 911 designer

June 8, 2012

He was one of the best-known car designers in the world, and now Ferdinand Alexander Porsche's life's work is being celebrated with an exhibition at the Porsche Museum.

The German carmaker, controlled by members of the Porsche and Piech families, is holding the exhibit in memory of Ferdinand, famous for designing the Porsche 911, from 1 June until 29 July.