The 4 GENERATIONS Symposium for Business Families brought family business owners, successors, investors and advisers to Warsaw on October 12, 2026, to discuss how family companies can remain competitive across generations. Its central message was that succession should be linked to a strategy and business transformation, rather than simply preserving the founder’s model. Research Adrianna Lewandowska cited found that 83% of owners see a need for strategic change, but only 9% of successors feel they influence the company’s direction.

Speakers discussed family foundations, family constitutions, professional management, private equity, asset diversification and selling a business as possible succession paths. They stressed that legal structures and continuity of family ownership cannot replace capable successors, clear decision-making rules and strong relationships. Debates examined whether family ownership remains an advantage amid AI, geopolitical shifts and competition. Participants argued that long-term thinking can be a competitive strength when combined with innovation and professionalization.

Discussions on life after selling a company highlighted options such as new ventures, investing, family offices and social initiatives. SUEMPOL received the 2026 Family Business of the Year title and Grand Prize. Duda-Cars, Delia Cosmetics and ROHLIG SUUS Logistics received honorable mentions. Families must choose succession models that fit their goals and circumstances.

(Press Materials)