Title: The development of high-growth agribusinesses in the aftermath of the 2008 financial crisis

Authors: Nuria Arimany-Serrat; Elisenda Tarrats-Pons; Petra Nylund

Addresses: University of Vic – Central University of Catalonia, Sagrada Familia 7, 08930 Vic, Spain ' University of Vic – Central University of Catalonia, Sagrada Familia 7, 08930 Vic, Spain ' University of Vic – Central University of Catalonia, Sagrada Familia 7, 08930 Vic, Spain

Abstract: The impact of the 2008 financial crisis has led the region of Central Catalonia, Spain, to rely even more on agribusiness. This industry represents a large share of employment and sales income in the region. In addition, high-growth firms drive a disproportionate share of regional economic growth. We therefore analyse the economic and financial health of high-growth agribusinesses in Central Catalonia during the period 2008-2013. We find that these firms exercise frugal financial management during the studied years, and that their economic profitability is a function of their solvency and the employee productivity. We conclude by discussing the implications of these findings.

Keywords: economic and financial analysis; high-growth firms; agribusinesses; profitability; financial return; Catalonia.

DOI: 10.1504/WREMSD.2019.102340

World Review of Entrepreneurship, Management and Sustainable Development, 2019 Vol.15 No.4, pp.441 - 459

Received: 29 Apr 2017
Accepted: 21 Jul 2017
Published online: 23 Sep 2019 *

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