EY refers to the global organization, and may refer to one or more, of the member firms of Ernst & Young Limited, each of which is a separate legal entity. Ernst & Young Limited is a Swiss company with registered seats in Switzerland providing services to clients in Switzerland.
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The wave of business exits among entrepreneurial families
The Family Barometer 2026, published jointly by Julius Baer and EY, explores how entrepreneurial families prepare for business exits, navigate ownership transitions and preserve family unity, wealth and legacy across generations.
Read our latest insights
Key Insights from the Family Barometer for …
- Tax Professionals
- Wealth Management Professionals
The important question is what the family wants to achieve once the proceeds have been received and how tax planning can support that goal.
Thomas Fisler
Partner, Head Private Client Tax Services | EY Switzerland
The Family Barometer 2026 reveals key insights into the needs of wealthy families and how banks, wealth managers and family offices can better serve this important and growing client segment.
Remo Wey
Partner, Leader EY-P Strategy & Execution Practice, Financial Services | EY Switzerland
Drawing on insights from wealth management professionals and leading experts, the study examines how entrepreneurial families prepare for business exits, ownership transitions and life after liquidity. It reveals a striking readiness gap: despite many families expecting a transition within the next five years, only a small minority is fully prepared. Successful transitions depend as much on family alignment, governance and long-term planning as they do on favorable market conditions.
What you’ll learn
- Why most entrepreneurial families are not fully prepared for a business exit.
- What most commonly drives families to consider selling or transferring a business.
- Why family misalignment and emotional attachment often become the biggest barriers to successful transitions.
- What role governance, succession planning and tax considerations play in successful ownership transitions.
- How families preserve wealth, family unity and legacy after a liquidity event.
How EY helps entrepreneurial families navigate business transitions
Wealth & Asset Management
EY helps wealth and asset managers grow profitably, expand private markets, modernize with data and AI, navigate regulation, and deliver long-term value.
EY Private
EY Private supports entrepreneurs, private businesses and their owners.
Family Office
Our family office professionals can help you evaluate best practices of leading family offices to support the family’s vision and legacy. Find out more.
Transactions and Corporate Finance by EY-Parthenon
Transactions and Corporate Finance by EY-Parthenon teams can help companies transform their business with confidence.
Private Tax Services
Our private client tax services team can help you maintain your business and personal goals while achieving full reporting compliance. Learn more.