This professional guide presents an extensive overview of the German family enterprise landscape, with a special focus on its structure and diversity. Drawing on several scientific studies conducted by the authors, its goal is to provide a detailed assessment of the development of German family enterprises. Analyzing data from over 500 family firms, it offers a valuable reference guide for market research and academic research on family-owned enterprises. A unique factor: the authors revealing insights into the decline of family firms.

Laura Seibold studied Corporate Management& Economics at Zeppelin University, Friedrichshafen (Germany). She is a doctoral candidate studying the growth of family firms at Zeppelin University. Maximilian Lantelme studied Corporate Management& Economics at Zeppelin University, Friedrichshafen (Germany). He is a strategy consultant in the field of mergers& acquisitions for an international management consulting firm.Hermut Kormann worked as a CFO and CEO for many years. After retirement, he has held Board assignments at Robert Bosch, TRUMPF and various other family companies in Germany and abroad. He holds the Chair of governance and strategy of family businesses at Zeppelin University, Friedrichshafen (Germany). He and his students published various books on strategy issues of family businesses  with Springer, and his work is featured regularly in German and Chinese journals on family businesses.

Introduction.- Literature Review on the "Growth of Family Firms".- Structure and Age of German Family Enterprises.- Development of the 500 Biggest Family Enterprises since Foundation.- Growth Path of Family Enterprises.- Continuous Development from Steady-State to Critical Disruptions.- Conclusions.- Appendix.