Ernst & Young established the first-of-its-kind Family Business Center of Excellence aimed at supporting family businesses and their owners wherever they operate in the world. The Center brings together advisors from across the Ernst & Young global network to share knowledge and insights that will address family business challenges and provide seamless service for internationally based family-led companies. Ernst & Young appointed Peter Englisch as the leader of the new Center. "The Ernst & Young Family Business Center of Excellence builds on our history of working with private companies and family businesses. Our most integrated global network means that our clients will be seamlessly served wherever they operate or choose to operate in the future. The Center will also coordinate research investments, sharing leading practice insights with our clients and members of the FBN-I," said Englisch. The Family Business Network International is a not-for-profit international network that is run by family businesses, for family businesses, with the aim of strengthening success over generations. "The Family Business Network welcomes the creation of the Ernst & Young Center of Excellence and the dedication of advisors across the world that will support the network in serving family businesses for generations to come," said Olivier de Richoufftz, the Family Business Network International executive director. Ernst & Young has coincided its launch of their Family Business Center of Excellence with the publication of a book recognizing the unique contribution of family businesses to the world's economy. The book traces the histories from 15 exceptional family businesses as they navigate through wars, recessions and market revolutions, including: the UK's oldest wine merchant, Berry Brothers, Spanish hotelier, Barcelo, Italian publishing giant, De Agostini, 180-year old Austrian private bank Bankhaus Sp?ngler and more. Englisch said "the book also features several historical timelines showing the contribution of family businesses to the success of the banking, automotive, food and drink, cosmetics and luxury goods, media and publishing industries. Longevity is a key trait of family businesses – many of our featured companies have been in existence for well over a century. Constant innovation is crucial to surviving and competing in a rapidly globalizing world. Long-running family businesses know this better than anyone.”
