Timely and professional succession in a family business is intimately linked with the wishes and attitudes of the owner, which is the key to coping with the challenges of succession. My primary interest lies with the personality of the business owner, identifying what drives the owner and prevents him from accepting a successor.

Where applicable, following components of a strategic foursome exist:

- individuals (life concept of the owner, successor, children)
- family (credo, family council, family governance)
- wealth/assets (strategic investment details)
- companies (strategy, corporate governance)