NWS LXAL “7 People OM Nah thd Before you read ‘Answer this question, Is ita good idea for family members to work together? Why? / Why not? Reading Read this article adapted from the Financial Times and answer the questions on the next page. FT LEVEL OF DIFFICULTY @ 0 © The next generation of a business empire by Rachel Sanderson Alessandro Benetton became the Executive Vice-Chairman ‘of the Italian clothing company Benetton in 2007. He is the 5 second son of Luciano Benetton, the founder of the business empire which now operates in 120 countries. His wife is Deborah Compagnoni, three-time Olympic ‘gold medallist and one of Italy's greatest. ski champions. They have throe children, Alessandro Benetton is. a vs graduate of Harvard Business School. He enjoys dangerous sports, which he describes as “the fun of life”, The company began in w» Ponzabno, Veneto, in Italy and today is the town’s largest employer. It also funds schools, culture events and spectacular sports facilities. Mr Benetton speaks quietly ‘and is relaxed. He has three bothers. Before he joined the family clothing business, he was an entrepreneur. Following Harvard, where he studied with management guru Michael Porter, he spent a year working as an analyst at Goldman Sachs. In 1992, Mr Benetton founded a private equity business called 21 Investimenti. He was chairman of Benetton’s Formula ‘One team for a decade. The feam won «wo world drivers’ championships with — Michael ‘Schumacher at the wheel.1 Complete Alessandro Benetton’s CV using the words in the box. analyst chaliman founded Harvard married sports three _ Alessandro Benetton: CV Education: 85c in economics, Boston University; MBA, a) Harvard Business School career: 1988-89: b) in global finance department at Goldman Sachs 1989-98: 0) ‘of Benetton Formula One team 1992: 4) private equity frm 21 Investimenti 1998: appointed to the board of Benetton, as well as family investment businesses Edizione and Autogrill 2007: became Executive Vice-Chairman, Benetton 2012: became Chairman, Benetton Family: e) te Deborah Compagni, three-time Olympic gold medallist, for Alpine skiing: f) children Personal interests: dangerous g) 2 Decide whether these sentences are true (1) or false (F). Correct the false ones. 2) Alessandro Benetto da company called Benetton. F (Alessandro Benetton didn't found the company. His father, Luciano Benetton, founded the company.) b) Benetton is in 12 countries. ©) Hiswifeisaski champion. 4) They have five children 9) Alessandro Benetton likes dangerous sports Benetton began in india 4). The company elves money to schools, culture and sports events 1) Alessandro has two brathers 1) He was chairman of the Formula One team for 15 years Over to you 1. Discuss in pairs or small groups. Ist good idea for people ina family business to gel experience working ‘outside the company? 2 Find out information about another family business and write a short description of it. TEXT BANK *> UNIT? OINWS LXEL