IMD and Lombard Odier Recognize Ayala Corporation for its Excellence, Integrity and Contribution to Nation Building

LAUSANNE, Switzerland, October 17, 2014 /PRNewswire/ --

Ayala Corporation, one of the oldest and largest business groups in the Philippines, was awarded the 19th annual IMD-Lombard Odier Global Family Business Award at the 25th Summit of the Family Business Network International in Dubai.

Awarded by IMD business school and by the private bank Lombard Odier, this prize is among the most prestigious for family businesses. Previous winners include companies such as LEGO, S.C. Johnson, Hermès, Barilla, Merck, Odebrecht, Firmenich and Bel Group.

"This Award highlights the vital contribution that family businesses like Ayala make to the global economy," said Mr. Thierry Lombard, Managing Partner of the Lombard Odier Group and Chairman of the Family Business Network International. "Ayala's exceptional standards show just what family businesses are capable of."

Ayala Corporation is a widely diversified conglomerate with leadership positions in real estate development, banking and financial services, telecommunications, electronics and information technology, water infrastructure development and management, and business process outsourcing.

Jaime Augusto Zobel de Ayala, Chairman and CEO and Fernando Zobel de Ayala, President and COO both emphasize the company's belief in contributing to national development and say that family unity has been crucial to the firm's long-term success.

IMD President Dominique Turpin said: "Over seven generations, Ayala Corporation has provided numerous lessons for other family businesses, in particular the importance of long-term vision, a broader social awareness and an ability to adapt."

About the Award
IMD and Lombard Odier developed the Global Family Business Award in 1996 to annually recognize an outstanding company that has successfully blended family and business interests. In 1999, the Scheufele family from Chopard joined forces with IMD and Lombard Odier and has since contributed.

Contact :
Matthew Mortellaro
+41-21-618-0352
matthew.mortellaro@imd.org