A family office is essentially a structured management system for a family's assets. It pursues several goals simultaneously: the sustainable protection and growth of assets, efficient tax structuring, safeguarding family harmony, and preparing the next generation for responsibility.

The sale of a family business is usually a once-in-a-lifetime event for the owner. Hidden reserves, often accumulated over many years or even generations, are realized in one fell swoop. This results in an extraordinary income tax burden, which – depending on the company's structure – can range from approximately 28% to as much as 47% of the capital gain.