The largest family-owned company in the world, based on available data, is Walmart.
Walmart, the retail giant, is significantly controlled by the Walton family, who hold a substantial shareholding of 48.9%. This significant stake ensures the family's continued influence and ownership, making it the top-ranked family business globally by this measure.
Understanding Global Family Businesses
Family businesses play a crucial role in the global economy, often characterized by long-term vision, strong culture, and a deep commitment to their legacy. While Walmart leads in its category, other prominent family-owned enterprises also command significant influence across various industries.
Top Family-Owned Companies
Here is a look at some of the largest family-owned companies worldwide, highlighting their foundational families and their shareholding percentages:
| Rank | Company | Family (Shareholding) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Walmart | Walton family (48.9%) |
| 2 | Berkshire Hathaway | Buffett family (37.2%) |
| 3 | Exor | Agnelli family (53.0%) |
| 4 | Schwarz Group | Schwarz family (100%) |
- Walmart (Walton family): Primarily known for its vast retail operations, the Walton family's significant ownership stake underscores its status as a leading family-controlled entity.
- Berkshire Hathaway (Buffett family): While often associated with Warren Buffett, his family's considerable shareholding positions it among the top family-owned enterprises.
- Exor (Agnelli family): This Italian holding company, controlled by the Agnelli family, has diverse investments, including in the automotive and luxury sectors.
- Schwarz Group (Schwarz family): This German retail group, which includes Lidl and Kaufland, is fully owned by the Schwarz family, demonstrating a complete family control model.
These companies exemplify the enduring impact and scale that family ownership can achieve on a global stage.
