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Prize winner
Case
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Reference no. 804-052-1
Subject category: Entrepreneurship
Published by: INSEAD
Originally published in: 2004
Version: 08.2014

Abstract

This is the first of a two-case series. The case describes the story of three generations of a business family, who owned and managed a beautiful resort. The family story includes traumatic events like: early deaths; suicide; and remarriages and the lack of communication on succession issues. Succession took place in abrupt ways, through death of owner-managers, or threat to sell by their widows. Case (A) describes the history of the family and the business until 1996, when the second generation widow confronts the children with her determination to sell the business. Case (B), to be used after case discussion, explains what happened afterwards. The case was written primarily to illustrate the concept of fair process in key family business circumstances, ie ownership succession and leadership succession. While the mother wanted to sell, the children called for a meeting and family discussion before taking the decision. They ultimately took the decision to sell, but thanks to a better process obtained a much higher price, and preserved family relationships. The case also illustrates family dynamics, relationships between stepchildren and stepmother, repetition from first to second generation, and the sale of the family business.

Teaching and learning

This item is suitable for postgraduate courses.

Time period

The events covered by this case took place in 1996.

Geographical setting

Region:
Americas
Country:
United States
Locations:
Pueblo Valley; Arizona

Featured company

The Resort
Industry:
Hotel

Featured protagonists

  • Anne Bolles (female)
  • Charlie Bolles (male)
  • Kathy Bolles (female)
  • Laura Bolles (female)
  • Jessie Bolles (female)

About

Abstract

This is the first of a two-case series. The case describes the story of three generations of a business family, who owned and managed a beautiful resort. The family story includes traumatic events like: early deaths; suicide; and remarriages and the lack of communication on succession issues. Succession took place in abrupt ways, through death of owner-managers, or threat to sell by their widows. Case (A) describes the history of the family and the business until 1996, when the second generation widow confronts the children with her determination to sell the business. Case (B), to be used after case discussion, explains what happened afterwards. The case was written primarily to illustrate the concept of fair process in key family business circumstances, ie ownership succession and leadership succession. While the mother wanted to sell, the children called for a meeting and family discussion before taking the decision. They ultimately took the decision to sell, but thanks to a better process obtained a much higher price, and preserved family relationships. The case also illustrates family dynamics, relationships between stepchildren and stepmother, repetition from first to second generation, and the sale of the family business.

Teaching and learning

This item is suitable for postgraduate courses.

Settings

Time period

The events covered by this case took place in 1996.

Geographical setting

Region:
Americas
Country:
United States
Locations:
Pueblo Valley; Arizona

Featured company

The Resort
Industry:
Hotel

Featured protagonists

  • Anne Bolles (female)
  • Charlie Bolles (male)
  • Kathy Bolles (female)
  • Laura Bolles (female)
  • Jessie Bolles (female)

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