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Corporate governance effectiveness along the entrepreneurial process of a family firm: the role of private equity

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  • Paolo Toma

    (University of Modena and Reggio Emilia)

  • Stefano Montanari

    (University of Modena and Reggio Emilia)

Abstract

This paper was motivated by the increasing interest in the corporate governance debate on how effective structure and processes may influence entrepreneurial transitions. Along the entrepreneurial process, little research to date has investigated the exit in the context of entrepreneurial family firms. Previous literature has considered the exit mainly as a failure for entrepreneurial families, but when uncertainties arise this choice may enable ownership transitions, thus facilitating survival and long term strategies. Among the exit options, a private equity buyout may balance the family’s wealth protection and the firm’s future growth. However, which family specific characteristics and strategic needs may affect the exit option still remains a neglected topic. Drawing on corporate governance literature and recent research addressing entrepreneurship in family firms, this paper investigates, by a single case study, the bridging role of private equity buyout for going through entrepreneurial transitions. Findings suggest that a private equity buyout is a governance mechanism that may sustain an entrepreneurial transition by realigning family interests and goals. It may also allow the family commitment for improving organizational capabilities required by an entrepreneurial transition.

Suggested Citation

  • Paolo Toma & Stefano Montanari, 2017. "Corporate governance effectiveness along the entrepreneurial process of a family firm: the role of private equity," Journal of Management & Governance, Springer;Accademia Italiana di Economia Aziendale (AIDEA), vol. 21(4), pages 1023-1052, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:kap:jmgtgv:v:21:y:2017:i:4:d:10.1007_s10997-016-9373-1
    DOI: 10.1007/s10997-016-9373-1
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    2. Fábio Frezatti & Diógenes de Souza Bido & Daniel Magalhães Mucci & Franciele Beck, 2022. "Essence taxonomy of Brazilian family businesses and conceptual implications for governance strategy," Journal of Management & Governance, Springer;Accademia Italiana di Economia Aziendale (AIDEA), vol. 26(3), pages 813-849, September.
    3. Andrea Dello Sbarba & Riccardo Giannetti & Alessandro Marelli, 2020. "Private equity firms and management control: the framing of shareholder-oriented practices," Journal of Management & Governance, Springer;Accademia Italiana di Economia Aziendale (AIDEA), vol. 24(4), pages 953-987, December.
    4. Laure-Anne Parpaleix & Kevin Levillain & Blanche Segrestin, 2018. "Financing innovation: two models of private equity investment," Post-Print hal-01768986, HAL.

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