Could you run a successful business with your ex-partner?
Continued. Pg2,
Theo says it pays the farmers up to twice as much as larger rivals
But how common is it? Not very, according to the experts.
Glenn Muske, professor of entrepreneurship at North Dakota State University, says: "Few couples remain together in business after a divorce. Mostly one party buys the other out, or the business is sold entirely, or they simply close the doors."
He adds that for a couple to successfully run a company together after divorce depends on a number of factors, ranging from what their work relationship was like before the break-up, how profitable the business was prior to the divorce, whether the divorce process went smoothly, and if both members bring a unique strength to the firm.
Theo now has a team of more than 40 in Seattle
He adds: "It is important that they each are able to release themselves from the [past] personal relationship, and focus on the business and the business relationship."
Philip Way, a divorce lawyer for Mills & Reeve in Leeds, UK, agrees that the divorced couple have to be able to put their emotions to one side.
"It is obviously very dependent on what was the reason for the divorce in the first place," he says. "And then the couple have to think about how they will handle it emotionally when one or the other remarries. I certainly don't think every divorced couple can continue in business."
Back at Theo Chocolate, Ms Music tied the knot again eight years ago, while Mr Whinney has not remarried.
He says: "Just about every working day with Debra I remember why I married her, and why we are divorced. I made an amazing choice to bring her into my life."
Theo says it pays the farmers up to twice as much as larger rivals
But how common is it? Not very, according to the experts.
Glenn Muske, professor of entrepreneurship at North Dakota State University, says: "Few couples remain together in business after a divorce. Mostly one party buys the other out, or the business is sold entirely, or they simply close the doors."
He adds that for a couple to successfully run a company together after divorce depends on a number of factors, ranging from what their work relationship was like before the break-up, how profitable the business was prior to the divorce, whether the divorce process went smoothly, and if both members bring a unique strength to the firm.
Theo now has a team of more than 40 in Seattle
He adds: "It is important that they each are able to release themselves from the [past] personal relationship, and focus on the business and the business relationship."
Philip Way, a divorce lawyer for Mills & Reeve in Leeds, UK, agrees that the divorced couple have to be able to put their emotions to one side.
"It is obviously very dependent on what was the reason for the divorce in the first place," he says. "And then the couple have to think about how they will handle it emotionally when one or the other remarries. I certainly don't think every divorced couple can continue in business."
Back at Theo Chocolate, Ms Music tied the knot again eight years ago, while Mr Whinney has not remarried.
He says: "Just about every working day with Debra I remember why I married her, and why we are divorced. I made an amazing choice to bring her into my life."
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