Young at heart, with a long tradition

The list features companies that have been under the continuous ownership of one or more related families for the longest period of time. They currently have at least 50 employees subject to social security contributions or form part of a larger group. The companies operate in the manufacturing, skilled trades, retail and service sectors. Pharmacies, pubs, agricultural businesses and mills were not included. Family businesses founded in the same year share the same ranking position. The ranking is based on publicly available sources. The selection was made from a total of over 500 family businesses. As new information is constantly being provided by the companies, the list is updated regularly.

From Merck to Meindl, from Haniel to Herder – the 50 oldest German family businesses reflect the full diversity of this type of business. The number of employees ranges from 62,000 to 55. The new list published by the Foundation for Family Businesses tells a story of resilience spanning the centuries.

Munich, 2 September 2026. For the second time, the foundation has researched the 50 oldest German companies that have remained in continuous family ownership: it has examined records, family trees and evidence of the year of foundation. The list highlights the impressive history of many of these companies: with diverse business models and growth stories, across a wide range of sectors, in every corner of the country, rooted locally yet at home on the world stage, ranging from high-tech to traditional trades.

This applies, at least, to the West. In eastern Germany, however, the expropriations during the Soviet occupation and later in the GDR brutally severed this tradition. Today, there are once again many family businesses in eastern Germany; some have reconnected with their origins.

The federal states of North Rhine-Westphalia, Bavaria and Baden-Württemberg have the highest concentration of long-established companies. Many of these originated as craft businesses or small shops. Some now compete on the international stage and are even world market leaders thanks to their highly innovative products.

The oldest German family-run business remains The Coatinc Company in Siegen, founded in 1502, followed by the Prym Group in Stolberg, founded in 1530. Eight of the oldest companies have been in operation for around 400 years. The youngest businesses on the list date back to the late 18th century.

Family businesses are constantly reinventing themselves
The list includes companies with at least 50 employees that have been under the continuous ownership of one or more related families for the longest period of time. Pharmacies, inns, farms and mills were not included. The ranking is based on publicly available sources. The selection was made from a total of over 500 family businesses.

Photo © The Coatinc Company Holding GmbH