Press releases

29.04.2026

Der Praxisleitfaden „Die Ordnungen der Macht – Einfluss und Entscheidungsfindung in Unternehmerfamilien“ von Heiko Kleve (2026) zeigt, wie Unternehmerfamilien Macht- und Entscheidungsstrukturen transparent und legitim gestalten können. Im Mittelpunkt stehen die Klärung von Zuständigkeiten, der Umgang mit informellen Regeln und persönlichen Loyalitäten sowie die Entwicklung gemeinsam akzeptierter Entscheidungsgrundlagen. Auf dieser Basis liefert der Leitfaden praxisnahe Impulse, um Konflikten vorzubeugen, die Handlungsfähigkeit in Krisenzeiten zu stärken und den Generationenwechsel verantwortungsvoll zu gestalten.

02.03.2026

The practical guide „Selling a Minority Stake in a Family Business“ from the WIFU Foundation shows under which conditions the partial sale of company shares can be a sensible strategic option for owner families. The focus is on the motives for bringing in a minority investor, the selection of suitable partners, and the contractual design of the collaboration. On this basis, the guide provides practical recommendations for owner families who want to secure growth, maintain entrepreneurial control, and strengthen the long-term future viability of their company.

27.02.2026

The practical guide „Primary and Secondary Assets of Entrepreneurial Families“ from the WIFU Foundation explains why entrepreneurial families should strategically build up assets outside the family business in addition to the assets tied up within it. The focus is on the functions of secondary assets for individual needs, financial capacity during crises, and the long-term security of family wealth. Furthermore, the guide explains various ways to build up such assets, for example, through profit distributions, one-off inflows of capital, or the realisation of hidden reserves. On this basis, it provides practical recommendations for entrepreneurial families who want to diversify their assets and secure them across generations.

07.01.2026

The new practical guide, „External Management in Family Businesses – Recognising Opportunities, Avoiding Pitfalls,“ from the WIFU Foundation examines how to successfully implement the external appointment of management positions in family businesses. The focus is on the clear separation of operational leadership and strategic control, a three-phase succession process, and the selection of suitable external managers for family businesses. The explanations show that in addition to professional qualifications, cultural fit, a shared understanding of values, and viable governance structures are crucial for success. Furthermore, the first 90 days after joining are of central importance, with professional onboarding and targeted trust-building. On this basis, the guide provides practical recommendations on how family business owners can strategically prepare, effectively integrate, and achieve long-term stability in external management.