A turn of events: The case of the repurchase of Champagne Taittinger

• Published in: Long range planning 2023-10, Vol.56 (5), p.102241, Article 102241
• Main Authors: Barredy, Celine, Caspersz, Donella
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Affective events; Business administration; Humanities and Social Sciences; Interplay attachment and conflict; Microfoundations; Strategic directions; Turning points
• ISSN: 0024-6301; 1873-1872
• DOI: 10.1016/j.lrp.2022.102241

Why does a family sell and why does a family member repurchase the business after it has been sold? We explore these questions by analysing the case of Champagne Taittinger which was sold as part of the sale of the family business by the second-generation in 2005, and the repurchase of the business by third generation, Pierre-Emmanuel Taittinger, in 2006. Guided by affective events theory, we use a qualitative approach to identify “turning points” of attachment and conflict and illustrate how an interplay of these affective states at the microfoundations of the Taittinger family influences the macro-level events of the sale and repurchase of Champagne Taittinger. We contribute to understanding how affective events at the microfoundations of family crucially influence business strategy. •Examines how affective events at the microfoundations of the family influence the sale and re-purchase of Champagne Taittinger by Pierre-Emmanuel Taittinger.•Features how affective events theory through the interplay between attachment and conflicts influences strategic management and ownership policy of a family business.•Contribution to understanding the efficacy of a micro-level analytical lens, especially to uncover the significance of imprinting.