Fritzsch-like model for the quark mass matrices with a large first-generation–third-generation mixing

We show that an Ansatz for the mass matrices of the democratic-family-mixing type proposed some time ago is naturally obtained in the context of a model with horizontal SU(3) symmetry. This Ansatz is reminiscent in its form of the Fritzsch one and shares with it all of its successes but, contrary to it, it does not have problems with the explanation of the large measured values of ‖${\mathit{V}}_{\mathit{u}\mathit{b}}$/${\mathit{V}}_{\mathit{c}\mathit{b}}$‖ and ${\mathit{B}}_{\mathit{d}}$-B${\mathrm{¯}}_{\mathit{d}}$ mixing.