How family firms can best plan for succession

David SilverbergBusiness reporterAFP via Getty ImagesIn September it was announced that Rupert Murdoch would hand over the reins to his eldest son LachlanWhen Rupert Murdoch and his children finally reached a deal earlier this year to end the years-long succession battle over the media mogul's empire, the high-profile saga offered a valuable lesson for every family-run company.The clear message was that such…