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  • August 2022
  • Case
  • HBS Case Collection

One Tiger Per Mountain: The He Family Office

By: Lauren Cohen, Fei Wu and Grace Headinger
  • Format:Print
  • | Language:English
  • | Pages:18
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Abstract

Roy He, founder and majority shareholder of his family construction material production company, was preparing to pass down the family business through its first generational handover to his children. His decision would establish his familial legacy and set a precedent for both future generational takeovers and the future of family unity and identity. To assist, He had brought in Hefeng Family Office to develop his succession plan by establishing a family ownership structure, governance system, family trust, and family agreement. However, he remained dubious: was now the time for him to step back and pass on his legacy to the next generation? He remained reluctant to give up control of the company, and the succession process would require passing on the majority of his shares to his successor. How should he establish a family governance structure that would protect the next generation’s interest and benefits while also allowing flexibility for future generations’ decisions? The structures were now in place, but was the family truly ready for him to pass the baton?

Keywords

Governance Structure; Family Business; Family Ownership; Strategic Planning; Family and Family Relationships; Leadership; Construction Industry; Canton (city, China); Canton (province, China); China

Citation

Cohen, Lauren, Fei Wu, and Grace Headinger. "One Tiger Per Mountain: The He Family Office." Harvard Business School Case 223-001, August 2022.
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About The Author

Lauren H. Cohen

Finance
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    'Net Zero in Action': Impact Investing at the McKnight Foundation

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    The Micro-Family Office: Aamir Rehman

    By: Lauren Cohen and Sophia Pan
More from the Authors
  • (Family) Size Matters: Nico Oprée and the Decreasing Power of Family Unity over Time By: Lauren Cohen, Octavian Graf Pilati, Dominik V. Eynern and Sophia Pan
  • 'Net Zero in Action': Impact Investing at the McKnight Foundation By: Lauren Cohen, Christina R. Wing and Sophia Pan
  • The Micro-Family Office: Aamir Rehman By: Lauren Cohen and Sophia Pan
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