Saturday, 21st November 2009

 

17 June 2008 - James Rutter

Europe's top 10 listed family businesses

Credit Suisse ranks the best performers over five years to March 14: from the monthly Wealth Bulletin print supplement, May issue.

1. SolarWorld est: 1998 Business type: Solar energy Return: 10,135% The Asbeck family, headed by company founder and chairman Frank, owns 25% of the German solar energy business. It has expanded in the US and is moving into Asia.

2. Rockwool International est: 1909 Business type: Stonewool products Return: 720% The Danish stonewool specialist is a leading supplier of energy-efficient building materials. The Kahler family owns 41% through a foundation (23%), Elisabeth (11%) and Gustav (7%).

3. Eramet est: 1880 Business type: Mining Return: 3,366% The French mining business was controlled by the Rothschilds until the 1970s. The Duval family owns 37% and Georges Duval is deputy managing director.

4. Autonomy est: 1996 Business type: Software Return: 602% The UK-based infrastructure software company founded by Michael Lynch is a leader in enterprise search technology. Chief executive Lynch retains 10% of the equity.

5. ArcelorMittal est: 1976 Business type: Steel Return: 1,709% President and chief executive Lakshmi Mittal holds 43% of the world’s biggest steel group. His son, Aditya, 32, is chief financial officer and daughter, Vanisha, works for the firm.

6. United Internet est: 1988 Business type: Internet Return: 524% Founder, chairman and chief executive Ralph Dommermuth holds 36% of the German internet services provider, which delivered record sales last year.

7. Ubisoft Entertainment est: 1986 Business type: Online entertainment Return: 938% Five Guillemot brothers founded the French computer games company and the family retains nearly 11% of the equity. Chief executive is Christian Guillemot.

8. Sika est: 1910 Business type: Specialty chemicals Return: 490% The Swiss specialty chemicals and construction materials business is controlled by the Burkard-Schenker family, which owns 54% in part through Schenker-Winkler Holding.

9. Sonova Holding est: 1947 Business type: Hearing healthcare Return: 833% Andy and Hans-Ueli Rihs, sons of founder Ernst, own 11% and 9% respectively of the Swiss hearing aids company, with Beda Diethelm, retired CO , owning 11%.

10. Stagecoach Group est: 1980 Business type: Transport Return: 472% The UK coach and trains company founded by Brian Souter has recovered from a disastrous foray into the US . Souter owns 11% and his sister, Anne Gloag, owns 9%.

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