Fórum AVE conducts study trip to France on family business succession

The Fórum AVE, a group of 145 members connected to the Asociación Valenciana de Empresarios, recently conducted a study trip to France to prepare the next generation of family business leaders. The initiative focused on internationalization, innovation, and business continuity through exchanges with various companies, including Peugeot, Dassault, and Vicky Foods.

During the trip, participants visited Vicky Foods to observe the evolution of the family-owned group. The visit included discussions with members of the Juan family regarding the challenges of professionalization and generational handover.

Broader industry data highlights the strategic importance of succession. According to the Global Family Business Index 2025, the 500 largest family businesses generate $8.8 trillion in annual revenue and employ 25.1 million people globally. However, succession remains a significant challenge; reports indicate that common obstacles include insufficient preparation of the next generation, difficulty finding suitable successors, and resistance from current leadership to relinquish control.