Family businesses revenues, which currently account for 19% of all business revenue globally, is projected to grow to US$29 trillion by 2030, reflecting an 84% rise compared to 2020, according to the Deloitte study Defining the family business landscape 2025. Europe is expected to be the fastest growing region this decade in terms of number of family businesses (by 12%, from over 4,000 family business in 2025 to nearly 4,600 in 2030), while North America and Asia Pacific are projected to see the highest revenue growth (by 97%, to US$12 trillion and US$9 trillion, respectively).
Europe is also the family businesses’ top destination for expansion, with more than half (51%) of the participants to the study planning to grow their operations in the region over the next two years. North America comes second, with 48% of businesses looking to expand into this market, followed by Asia Pacific (40%).
Currently, family businesses total more than 18,000 entities and account for 22% of all business worldwide, up from around 16,200 in 2020. This number is expected to exceed 19,700 companies by 2030, reflecting a 22% increase between 2020 and 2030.
According to the study, Asia Pacific hosts the most family businesses in the world, respectively 7,595, followed by North America, with 5,152, Europe - 4,084, the Middle East - 528, Africa - 377 and South America - 352.
Regarding the future risks, family businesses identified economic uncertainty as their top concern, with 69% of participants rating it as a moderate or high risk, and 68% saying that it causes delays in investment plans. Economic uncertainty is amplified by geopolitical tensions, according to 73% of participants, while 70% estimate that the increased tariffs will impact their activity. Cyber threat is another important risk identified by the participants in the study (69%).
Technology and related transformation are emerging as enablers of future success, with 40% of survey participants investing in innovation and artificial intelligence to increase operational efficiency and manage risk.
"The essential component of the success of a family business that can stand the test of time is effective governance. By establishing clear roles and responsibilities, implementing robust oversight and communication mechanisms, effective governance enhances the family business’s resilience, strengthens its reputation, and increases its chances of long-term success. In terms of challenges, beyond those already mentioned - economic uncertainty, cyber threats, geopolitical risk and evolving regulatory environments -, internal concerns around succession and the professionalization of leadership must also be highlighted. In this context, family businesses will have to find a balance between preserving the core family values, while embracing the tools, structures, and partnerships that support sustainable growth," said Alexandra Smedoiu, Partner, Deloitte Romania, Leader of Deloitte Private in Romania.
According to the study, succession planning remains a critical priority for half of participants (49%). At the same time, the main governance challenges that family businesses currently face relate to uncertainty over who has decision-making authority (37%) and succession planning for leadership transition (36%).
On the other hand, more family businesses are welcoming changes in ownership structure – over a quarter (26%) are targeting outside investment or private equity, while 19% are looking to increase non-family management’s ownership, 12% are interested in public offerings, and 3% want to sell the business altogether.
The Deloitte study Defining the family business landscape 2025, now in its first edition, was conducted globally among senior executives from nearly 1,600 family businesses worldwide, owning a majority share (over 51%), and having annual revenue of more than US$100 million each.
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