The Peak Hotel: The Challenge of Succession and Family Firm Continuity

Abstract

A family-run four-star hotel in the Austrian Alps has challenges with regard to family firm succession. The family firm is currently in its second generation, and the owners, Perry and Patricia, want to develop a plan to hand the business to the next generation. The entrepreneurial family is dealing with change and transformation processes among the family members. This case supports entrepreneurship and family business students at both undergraduate level and graduate level to consider options and issues in the succession planning of family firms. This case may be taught as an example of intra-family firm succession in a family business management, business strategy or entrepreneurship course.