Governance & Unity for
family businesses
About
CARIOU & Co is an independent French firm that is 100% focused on family-owned businesses, advising them on governance, shareholder unity and succession planning.
What do we do? We unite your shareholders and executives (present and future) around a strong values-based vision for your family business that speaks to all generations.
As an independent third party, we help family businesses identify their governance needs and then assist them in implementing their preferred solution(s). We also assist in ensuring effective communication strategies between the overlapping spheres of Family, Shareholders and Company.
Whether you have run into a technical obstacle or are facing challenges stemming from family dynamics, we are here to help. We have built up a network of recognized experts in family business matters (lawyers, notaries, family offices, HR consultants, psychologists, personal development coaches, mediators, etc.) so that, whatever your specific issue, we can provide the services you need.
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As your primary contact, CARIOU & Co coordinates everything, protecting your interests.
our expertise
Are you looking to define a governance framework for your business and family?
Perhaps your existing framework is no longer working for you?
Are you in need of a project for the business to unite family shareholders?
Or simple yet effective communication strategies to help maintain good relations?
Is it time to start thinking about passing on the baton to the next generation?
CARIOU & Co can assist with whatever you need in terms of establishing and implementing
your governance framework, whether you are looking for help on a specific aspect or longer-term support.
Establishing your governance
Defining the right governance framework and rules for your family business
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Clarifying your family’s values and culture – what DNA defines you
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Addressing any potential conflict and setting up a resolution process
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Identifying family members’ expectations and what they can offer the business
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Drawing up a family charter, by-laws, shareholder agreement, etc.
IMPLEMENTING YOUR GOVERNANCE IN DAY-TO-DAY OPERATIONS
Setting up a Governance Committee that includes one or more family members
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Deciding on the communications strategy and tools best suited to your family
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Instituting and preparing for regular family meetings; offering impartial advice
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Brokering family decisions and seeing them through
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Making sure that everyone has a chance to be heard
Organizing family events
Seminars, meetings, team-building exercises, family occasions, etc.
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CARIOU & Co offers a comprehensive events planning service for all of your family shareholders and/or whole family needs.
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We can prepare a program, secure top-notch speakers, arrange memorable activities and handle all organizational aspects, for the perfect event – and one that reflects your family’s values.
Bringing the next generation
on board
Familiarizing the next generation with the business and your values
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Finding out what they expect from and want for the business and answering their questions
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Giving them an insight into what you do
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Explaining what being a shareholder (whether now or down the line) involves
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Equipping them for a role in the business, whether in an operational or governance capacity
Our values
Confidentiality
​Through our work, we gather personal information on you that we only use to provide the best possible service. As stipulated in the privacy policy we sign together, we do not share confidential information with third parties.
Independence
CARIOU & Co is a fully independent firm and is not tied to any specific partners. If we want to bring in someone from outside the firm to help us with our work, we will inform you and seek your prior consent before doing so.
Open-Mindedness
Our work requires us to be impartial, leaving our own value judgements and personal views at the door so you can be sure we will always put your family’s interests and business projects first.