Fritz Hoffmann (right), founder of F. Hoffmann-La Roche & Co., with chemist Emil Barell in 1898.
Source: RocheSwitzerland’s Biggest Family Fortune Has Prospered for 124 Years
The family behind drug maker Roche has neatly navigated the pitfalls of generational change.
The timing was precise, the choreography immaculate: with two deft maneuvers, a new generation of the Oeri-Hoffmann family marked its growing influence over the wealthiest dynasty in Switzerland.
First, seven members of the fifth generation late last year joined the clan’s shareholder pool, which oversees a $25 billion stake in pharmaceuticals giant Roche Holding AG. Then, in March, another member of that generation, Joerg Duschmale, replaced his uncle on the drugmaker’s board.