Overcoming Succession Conflicts in a Limestone Family Business In Brazil

Succession process is a major issue regarding a private, family business, allover the world. This single case investigated a limestone family business, located at Goianesia,Goias State, Brazilian Center west region, addressing the pitfalls and challenges of itssuccession process. After the 2008 recession crisis, due to laid-off workers, the number offamily–owned businesses increased drastically all over the world, pushing families to createhome-based, mostly internet, low-cost businesses. In North America, for instance, familybusiness represents over 50 percent of the GDP. In emerging markets, such as Brazil, familybusiness represents near 95 percent of the small and medium enterprises. However, anincreasing number of home-made companies does not reach the second generation of owners.In consequence, when the transition process fails, sometimes both business and family ties endbroken. This article addressed a successful story of a formerly conflicting transition process,regarding a second generation family-owned, Brazilian limestone and dolomite company.Recommendations to managers and practitioners complete the present work.