1. Introduction: Characterizing Family-Owned Enterprises and Assessing Them Concerning Criteria Such as Family Involvement, Size, Age, Longevity, Independence and Vitality -- 2. Structure and Age of German Family Enterprises -- 3. Development of the 500 Biggest Family Enterprises since Foundation -- 4. Continuous Development to Longevity -- 5. The Issue of Required Growth: A Literature Review -- 6. Requirements for Mature Growth -- 7. Critical Disruptions in the Development -- 8. Conclusion: Orientation Regarding Direction of Future Research and Strategies for Supporting Longevity.

The second edition of this professional guide presents an extended overview of the German family enterprise landscape including its structure and industry distribution. Its goal is to provide a detailed assessment of the development of German family enterprises. Based on several new scientific studies conducted by the authors, the prerequisits of corporate longevity and mature growth are investigated in detail. Analyzing data from over 500 family firms, the book offers a valuable reference guide for market research and academic research on family-owned enterprises. A unique factor: the authors' revealing insights into the decline of family firms.