Family Wars - by Grant Gordon & Nigel Nicholson (Paperback)

About the Book

Many great businesses are family owned, and with this comes the threat of family feuding, sibling rivalries, and petty jealousies. "Family Wars" explores the ups and downs of the biggest family-run companies in the world.

Book Synopsis

Many of the world's most successful businesses are family owned. With this comes the threat of family bust-ups, sibling rivalry and petty jealousies.

Family Wars takes you behind the scenes on a rollercoaster ride through the ups and downs of some of the biggest family-run companies in the world, showing how family in-fighting has threatened to bring about their downfall. Whether it's the Redstone's courtroom battles or the feud over Henry Ford's reluctance to let go of the reigns, the book reveals the origins, the extent and the final resolution of some of the most famous family feuds in recent history. Names you'll recognise include: the Gallo Family; the Guinness story; the Pathak family; and the Gucci family.

An astonishing exposé of the way families do business and how arguments can threaten to blow a business apart, Family Wars also offers valuable advice on how such problems can be contained and solved.

Review Quotes

"Midlands Business Insider May 2010"

"Rather than throwing up their hands in despair, the authors have come up with some principles for - if not avoiding - dealing with conflict when it arises"-- "The Independent"

"Some of the most lurid business feuds of the 20th century and their (usually) sorry aftermath.... fascinating"-- "The Observer"

"This is essential reading for anyone keen to get a deeper understanding of what makes family businesses tick"-- "Director Magazine April 2010"

About the Author

Grant Gordon is the Director General of the Institute for Family Business and a fifth generation member and former senior executive of a leading UK family business in the drinks sector.

Nigel Nicholson is Professor of Organizational Behaviour at London Business School and a leading writer, executive educator and broadcaster on business and management.