Family businesses face global shifts in management and succession

Global reports indicate a significant structural shift in the management of family-owned businesses. According to the KPMG Global Family Business Report 2026, the proportion of family businesses managed directly by family members is projected to drop significantly by 2035. In Brazil, this figure is expected to fall from 48% to just 8%, driven by increased professionalization, formal governance, and the adoption of artificial intelligence.

In Portugal, research from Julius Baer and EY highlights challenges regarding generational transitions. The Julius Baer Family Barometer 2026 reveals that only 2.3% of ultra-high-net-worth families are fully prepared to sell or transfer their businesses. A primary obstacle identified is the lack of family consensus on potential sales, often fueled by emotional ties to the company. Furthermore, only 18.5% of families actively involve heirs in decision-making on equal terms, and only 22.6% of the next generation are considered adequately prepared to assume management roles.