Addressing family business leaders of the Kingdom at a workshop organized by Family Business Academy in Jeddah recently, three German experts shared their experiences. The team consisted of Dr. Gilbert Wenzel, partner, Global CC Pharma/Healthcare of Roland Berger AG and Dr. Claudius Wamlek, senior project manager. Berger is a reputable consulting company that advises family businesses and other clients all over Europe. The German team also included Harm Specht, member of the executive board of PHW-Gruppe, a family business in Europe with interest in pharmaceuticals, animal foods and poultry. Recounting European experiences, the speakers cited instances of successful family businesses and the not-so-successful ones.

Dresdner Bank

Dresdner Bank, a 100 percent-subsidiary of Allianz, one of the world’s largest financial services providers, recently celebrated another decade of success in the Middle East and Gulf region with the 10th anniversary of its local representative office based in Dubai, which serves the entire GCC including Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar and Saudi Arabia as well as Yemen. The close relationship between the Arab world and Dresdner Bank dates back to 1954 when the bank opened its Cairo representative office - only the second Dresdner representative office to be established outside Germany, with the first located in Istanbul. This was followed by the opening of the Beirut office (1964), the Tehran office (1973) and the Bahrain office (1976), which was subsequently moved to Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE) in 1995.

Orbit

The Orbit Satellite Television and Radio Network will make history in May when it begins airing the hit TV series, Joey, on a “Pay-Per-Day” basis. The show is being brought to viewers following Orbit’s exclusive agreement with Warner Bros. International Television Distribution, and demonstrates the network’s enriched Western programming combined with a speed to market of some two years earlier than other broadcasters in the region. The rollout of the Friends spin-off comedy on the network’s TVMAX channel in May precedes the series’ debut on Orbit’s special Warner Bros. blocks of primetime programming on its popular Super Comedy channel in September under its “First See TV” banner.

Al Jazirah/Ford

Ford Motor Company (FMC) recently announced that Al Jazirah Vehicles Agencies Co. (AJVA), the Ford and Lincoln importer-dealer in Saudi Arabia, is for the second time in a row, the largest Ford brand dealer in the world and the largest Ford Crown Victoria dealer in the world for the eighth consecutive year. In celebration of this award, AJVA has offered special discounts on all vehicles during April. FMC honored AJVA for its outstanding performance in 2004 during AJVA’s recent visit to Dubai.

Alhamrani Group

Mohamed A. Alhamrani & Co. Intertrade Ltd. division of machinery and equipments, a subsidiary of Alhamrani Group, is promoting a range of products for industrial, domestic and other multipurpose usage. The range includes electric forklifts from Shinko, Japan. It is considered to be ideal for food, pharmaceutical and other companies that demand zero pollution level and high efficiency. Power generators from Denyo, Japan, claims features that “no one can match.” They are noiseless, ready to install, high performance rating and trouble free service. Crawler cranes from Maeda, Japan, a “perfect solution for construction,” are capable of delivering maximum output despite space and other constraints. Artison, Diesel forklifts, ranging from 1.5 tons to 5 tons are an excellent performer. All these products were on display at the Saudi Building & Interiors Exhibition, which was held in Jeddah recently.

Skyband

Skyband has launched the first operational mobile ATM. The mobile ATM has been implemented for Al-Rajhi Bank, one of the leading banks in the Kingdom. The mobile ATM is successfully operational in Janadriyah. It is a great success with the onlookers and is a great relief for the visitors who want cash immediately. This is a new and innovative “Cash at your doorstep” service for the banks. Skyband is a licensed VSAT service provider in the Kingdom and has been serving the government and corporate sectors’ video, voice and data requirements. “Skyband is focused and working toward being the technology leader and enables it to improve services and remain ahead of the competition, and reduce costs for its customers.