Family Firms and Private Equity

Family firms are of particular importance for many economies. We know little about family firm buyouts and how they are different from non-family firm buyouts. Oliver Ahlers investigates this under-researched topic. After a comprehensive literature review on family firm buyouts, the focus of his book is on the key steps of the investment process such as family firm valuation and negotiations between PE investors and family sellers. Additionally, it is investigated how “soft factors” such as trust, reputation or commitment could play an important role when PE and family firms interact. Throughout the book, differences between family and non-family firm buyouts are highlighted.