Family businesses are experiencing a resurgence. Since the decline of the New Economy euphoria and a drastic cooling of general investment willingness in an overheated capital market, the public has rediscovered this type of company as a bearer of hope for healthy economic development. Many family businesses rank among the best in their industry. They have used the economic difficulties of recent years to enhance their international competitiveness. What accounts for this extraordinary self-renewal capacity? And what specific dangers are family businesses exposed to? This book - now in its second, revised edition - explores the deeper traces of this peculiar performance potential of well-managed family businesses and highlights their characteristic features. These potentials are revealed through traditional means.