Running a family business

With deep experience in supporting family businesses globally, KPMG Private Enterprise can work with you to address the needs of the business and the family – balancing family dynamics and business objectives for sustainable growth, smooth transitions, and legacy preservation.


As with your family, your business doesn’t stand still — it evolves.
 

Your business has a unique element that no other business has — the family aspect. This difference can play a significant role in decision making and offers both opportunities and challenges.

To support the unique needs of family businesses, KPMG Private Enterprise has created a global network dedicated to offering relevant information and advice to family-owned companies.

We understand that the nature of a family business is inherently different from a nonfamily business and requires an approach that considers the family component. And we know that the growth and sustainability of your family business lies in the fine balance between the needs of the business and the expectations of your family members. With their knowledge of and experience with family businesses around the world, KPMG Private Enterprise business advisers have worked with family-owned companies to address the needs of the business and the family.

What we do

KPMG’s network of Private Enterprise advisers helps founders, executives and private market leaders transition their business with a range of approaches that can address:

Growth is an essential ingredient to continued business success. While most businesses can achieve growth organically, this can require considerable time and effort. In order to grow sustainably, entrepreneurial businesses must consider all of their market opportunities including seeking out complementary businesses for acquisition, potentially divesting non-core businesses, outsourcing functions to increase cost efficiencies and potentially expanding into the emerging markets. By developing a solid growth strategy for your company KPMG Private Enterprise advisers consider all the possible avenues for growth and can help you achieve new heights.

The need for effective risk management and controls is crucial in an environment of increased scrutiny. It is important to minimize these risks in an entrepreneurial business, not only for the business itself, but also for the family, property holdings and capital. Implementing controls, securing new financing, efficient tax management and optimization can all have a positive impact on the bottom line of your business.

As trusted business advisers, KPMG Private Enterprise member firms help clients manage the risks associated with their business, so that they don’t need to carry the burden alone. When it comes to financing, tax management and implementing controls, KPMG Private Enterprise advisers can help you be proactive and assess your risk areas and put strategies in place to help gain control.

Starting a family business is easy, relatively speaking; sustaining it beyond a couple of generations is the hardest part. It’s often said that the typical family business goes from rags to riches and back to rags in three generations. Better governance of a family business can help improve performance and satisfy the expectations of all family members. Establishing a governance framework that includes a family constitution and code of conduct for family members can help your family deal with changes in the business constructively. It requires your family to think through important scenarios before critical decisions have to be made and find agreement on important family and business goals. Implementing effective governance tools can help set up a family business for success down the road and help sustain the business through generations.

You’ve worked hard to build your business and make it a success. Now, as you look to the future, you want it to remain in good hands. At the same time, you want to maintain your personal wealth and pass it on to future generations.

KPMG Private Enterprise family business advisers can help you develop an estate plan for transferring wealth to your heirs and a succession plan for your business in a manner sensitive to your needs. By thinking about the future today, you can mitigate many of the risks associated with unplanned transactions, including family conflict and high probate and other fees.

Transitioning any business can be a difficult endeavor. Transitioning a family business comes with a unique set of challenges, with the potential for family conflict that may affect personal relationships. Planning ahead can make it a smooth experience for everyone.

KPMG Private Enterprise family business advisers can help you manage the sensitivities that come with transitions and provide confidential advice on the implications of any decisions your family might make. When the time comes, we can also help with either the transaction, or assist your successor take on his or her new role.

People are often at the center of all that we do, and this important element is often one that can cause many obstacles. From developing and retaining both family and non-family talent, to setting clear roles and responsibilities and establishing remuneration and employment policies; these areas require detailed review and attention.

KPMG Private Enterprise family business advisers will help you find the best ways to structure your people focused activities and help you to navigate this complex area of the business.

Technology innovation is shaping the way organizations operate, and getting it right can mean a sustainable advantage over your competition. KPMG Private Enterprise, together with our alliance partners, design, build, and deliver digitally-enabled technology solutions to help you build the right solutions for your business needs. To learn more, visit our Alliances section.


Our insights

Get current private market trends, insights and data from KPMG’s experienced network of Private Enterprise advisers.

Unlocking legacy in family businesses

Discover how leading family businesses are balancing tradition and innovation to achieve superior business performance.

Family business dynamics

As with your family, your business doesn't stand still — it evolves.


Related services

Starting your business

Whether you’re a startup or on the fast track to success, KPMG Private Enterprise can help you by providing theresources you need to help get you off the ground.

Growing your business

Whether your goal is to scale your operations, enter new markets or diversify your portfolio, KPMG Private Enterprise advisors work alongside you to explore opportunities for growth that are not only strategically sound but also reflect your vision and values.

Strengthening your business

KPMG Private Enterprise advisors are committed to helping private companies optimize their operations and take their performance to new heights. KPMG professionals can help to streamline business processes, enhance efficiency and drive sustainable growth to help you get ahead.

Transitioning your business

KPMG Private Enterprise can help you find and execute the right plan of action for you and your business.


Our people

Conor Moore

Global Head of KPMG Private Enterprise

United States

Robyn Langsford

Global Lead, KPMG Private Enterprise Family Business, KPMG International and Partner in Charge, Family Business & Private Clients, KPMG

KPMG Australia


Connect with us

KPMG combines our multi-disciplinary approach with deep, practical industry knowledge to help clients meet challenges and respond to opportunities. Connect with our team to start the conversation.

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