Top 10 Family Businesses In Europe

Credit Suisse ranks the best performers over five years to March 14. 1. SolarWorld est 1998Business type Solar energyReturn 10,135%The Asbeck family, headed by company founder and chairman Frank, owns 25% of the German solar energy business. It has expanded

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Credit Suisse ranks the best performers over five years to March 14.

1. SolarWorld est: 1998Business type: Solar energyReturn: 10,135%The Asbeck family, headed by company founder and chairman Frank, owns 25% of the German solar energy business. It has expanded in the US and is moving into Asia.

2. Rockwool International est: 1909Business type: Stonewool productsReturn: 720%The Danish stonewool specialist is a leading supplier of energy-efficient building materials. The Kahler family owns 41% through a foundation (23%), Elisabeth (11%) and Gustav (7%).

3. Eramet est: 1880Business type: MiningReturn: 3,366%The French mining business was controlled by the Rothschilds until the 1970s. The Duval family owns 37% and Georges Duval is deputy managing director.

4. Autonomy est: 1996Business type: SoftwareReturn: 602%The UK-based infrastructure software company founded by Michael Lynch is a leader in enterprise search technology. Chief executive Lynch retains 10% of the equity.

5. ArcelorMittal est: 1976Business type: SteelReturn: 1,709%President and chief executive Lakshmi Mittal holds 43% of the world’s biggest steel group. His son, Aditya, is chief financial officer and daughter, Vanisha, works for the firm.

6. United Internet est: 1988Business type: InternetReturn: 524%Founder, chairman and chief executive Ralph Dommermuth holds 36% of the German internet services provider, which delivered record sales last year.

7. Ubisoft Entertainment est: 1986Business type: Online entertainmentReturn: 938%Five Guillemot brothers founded the French computer games company and the family retains nearly 11% of the equity. Chief executive is Christian Guillemot.

8. Sika est: 1910Business type: Specialty chemicalsReturn: 490%The Swiss specialty chemicals and construction materials business is controlled by the Burkard-Schenker family, which owns 54% in part through Schenker-Winkler Holding.

9. Sonova Holding est: 1947Business type: Hearing healthcareReturn: 833%Andy and Hans-Ueli Rihs, sons of founder Ernst, own 11% and 9% respectively of the Swiss hearing aids company, with Beda Diethelm, retired CO , owning 11%.

10. Stagecoach Group est: 1980Business type: TransportReturn: 472%The UK coach and trains company founded by Brian Souter has recovered from a disastrous foray into the US. Souter owns 11% and his sister, Anne Gloag, owns 9%.

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