# Longevity of German family businesses

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/longevity-of-german-family-businesses
> Updated: 2026-09-29T00:00:00.000Z. Sources: 10. Developments: 2.

Reports on German family-owned businesses highlight both extreme longevity and significant industrial milestones. An updated ranking from the Stiftung Familienunternehmen in Munich identified 50 of the country’s oldest family enterprises, noting that eight have operated for more than 400 years. The oldest, the Coatinc Company, was founded in 1502.

Other manufacturing firms are marking centennial and multi-generational milestones. Stahlbau Merten GmbH celebrated 100 years of operation, evolving from a locksmith shop into a specialist in conveyor technology and metal construction. A. Obenauf GmbH & Co. KG marked 140 years, having transitioned from wood pulp to recycled paper processing, and recently underwent a leadership change to its first non-family successor.

## Timeline

### 2026-09-29: German family businesses celebrate major industrial anniversaries

German family businesses Stahlbau Merten and A. Obenauf are celebrating 100 and 140 years of industrial history, respectively, marking milestones in manufacturing and generational leadership.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/german-family-businesses-celebrate-major-industrial-anniversaries

### 2026-09-02: Germany's oldest family businesses: 8 exceed 400 years

An updated ranking from the Stiftung Familienunternehmen identifies the 50 oldest German family businesses, led by the Coatinc Company, founded in 1502.

8 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/germanys-oldest-family-businesses-8-exceed-400-years

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Cite as: Longevity of German family businesses. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/longevity-of-german-family-businesses