This paper aims analysing the history of Perdigão, from its foundation in the mid 1930s until nowdays. The main concern is related to how traditional and family companies can become modern and professionally managed. That company started by operating with only two products in a region, from where, three decades later, expanded and diversified its business and range of products, towards the Brazilian domestic market through the installation of new industrial and commercial branches. Subsequently, the transition of power from the second to third generation, when financial and administrative difficulties emerged, leading to its sale by the heirs, is analysed in this paper. As it was no longer a family company, and its management became more professional, Perdigão returned to a path of growth, innovation and ability to compete in national as well as foreign markets.
family company; professional management; agoindustry; poultry
