TOP 500 Family Businesses – latest publication

Even in economically challenging times, the top 500 family businesses in Germany are creating new jobs – both in Germany and internationally. This sets them apart from non-family businesses listed on the DAX, which have cut jobs in Germany during the period under review (2013 to 2022). This is one of the findings from the most recent study on large family businesses in Germany, which ifm Mannheim regularly compiles for the Family Business Foundation in Munich.

In 2022, the 500 family businesses with the highest number of employees worldwide provided over 6.4 million jobs. Since 2013, they have created more than 1.6 million new jobs. Total sales rose from €1,098 billion to €1,786 billion over the same period – evidence of the dynamic development of large family businesses despite the pandemic, energy crisis, and geopolitical uncertainty.

The study shows that family businesses are not only anchors of stability for the economy, but also make an above-average contribution to employment. A key finding of the study confirms a trend from previous years: family businesses react much less strongly to economic fluctuations by cutting or increasing jobs than other companies. This moderate personnel policy protects jobs in times of crisis and prevents overheating during upturns.

You can download the study here.