The picture shows the company in Geisweid in 1909, it was one of the oldest companies in Germany.
Dusseldorf The oldest family businesses in Germany are listed in an up-to-date list. The Family Business Foundation has published the ranking for the second time. Two years ago there were 35 companies listed. Because at that time Paul Niederstein, representative of the 17th generation of the Coatinc Company, was able to prove that the origins of the company go back to 1502.
Niederstein started the list, and now it has grown to 50 companies. For many years before the Coatinc Company, the Stolberg-based company Prym, which became known for its snap fasteners, was first mentioned in 1530 as the oldest industrial company in this country. In third place is Freiherr von Poschinger Glasmanufaktur in Frauenau, which states that it was founded in 1568.
As the largest corporation, Merck came in 16th. The pharmaceutical company with more than 58,000 employees is the largest family company. The history of the group goes back to the year 1668.
Berenberg Bank (6th place, founded in 1590) and the private bank Metzler (17th place, founded in 1674) are also there. The textile company Delius (founded in 1722) is in 25th place in the current list. Only a few people know the company, but its descendant Verena Pausder, who is active as a founder, author and investor, is much better known.
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The traditional family company Haniel, founded in 1756, was managed by Aletta Haniel from 1782 to 1809. She is one of the earliest female entrepreneurs to achieve notoriety. Haniel has been run as a family equity company by external managers for many years. Metro was part of the portfolio for a long time, and currently Media Markt and Saturn parent Ceconomy is still a financial investment.
The hygiene and workwear specialist CWS, shares in the office mail order company Takkt and the mattress start-up Emma are also part of Haniel, to name just a few companies. Haniel also originated the term “enkelfähig”, which makes it clear that many family businesses have the absolute will to lead the company into the next generation.
More: Six pieces of advice on how external managers can develop a career in family businesses