IMD and FBN (Family Business Network) have signed a new partnership agreement reaffirming their longstanding collaboration to advance knowledge, tools, and practices for global family enterprises. The agreement, which extends from 2025 to 2027, was signed by IMD President David Bach, Director of the IMD Global Family Business Center Peter Vogel, FBN Board Chair Alfonso Libano Daurella, and FBN CEO Alexis du Roy de Blicquy.
Decades-long relationship
This partnership marks the continuation of a decades-long relationship between the two partners, which dates to the very beginning of the Lausanne-founded FBN in 1989. Both organizations have collaborated on various leading initiatives including the IMD Global Family Business Award, the FBN Global Summit, IMD research projects on philanthropy and Family Offices, and more.
“Our partnership with FBN has always been about driving impact and adding value to the family enterprise sector,” shared Vogel. “With this new agreement, we aim to continue to build on that foundation, ensuring we also stay at the forefront of knowledge and thought leadership in the field.”
“Our long-term partnership with IMD has supported the development of various FBN communities, including its Family Office and Impact, with our joint philanthropy study,” said Alexis du Roy de Blicquy. “With this renewed collaboration, we will continue to explore together new trends and issues through thought-leading research and practical workshops and activities, providing concrete opportunities for enterprising families to learn from each other, improve family dynamics, and develop ownership strategy.”
Synergistic collaboration
This synergistic collaboration is centered on the organizations’ dual mission to help family enterprises thrive, transform, and transfer sustainable, successful businesses across generations.
Some of the content and knowledge projects they will focus on include:
- IMD Global Family Business Award: Since 1996, this prestigious award recognizes exceptional family enterprises from around the world. FBN Global Summit has served as the main platform to showcase this leading award, which will celebrate its 30th anniversary in 2026.
- IMD as a knowledge partner for FBN activities: Contributing thought leadership to the FBN’s activities and communities.
- FBN as a knowledge partner for IMD programs: Sharing expertise and live family cases within the IMD program offering.
- Research: Conducting joint research projects, studies, and publications aimed at advancing knowledge in the family business field.
- Joint activities and tailor-made programs: Organizing joint activities and delivering custom programs for various family business segments and their specific needs.
