Private Correspondence

Large, diversified, family-owned businesses are dominant players in the economies of most emerging markets and can be excellent business partners for Western companies. This article highlights the evolutionary patterns of Family Conglomerates (FCs) and delineates principal drivers of their growth, expansion, and internationalization. Those aspects of FCs examined in this study include early mover advantages, foreign alliances, competitive market positioning, and diversification. Also discussed are entry-mode considerations for Western companies contemplating doing business in the fast-growth markets of East Asia, Latin America, and elsewhere