In general this is quite common in Germany, there are still many family companies and the heirs often work outside the business before returning to the family company.

Herzogenaurach his hometown is an interesting case for everybody who is interested in the weird ways of entrepreneurship. The small town is home for Schaeffler, Adidas and Puma. Quite remarkable for a population of 30.000.

Disclaimer: I live next door and organize the Nuernberg Digital Festival