Succession is not a coincidence – it is the result of preparation

In the coming years, German SMEs will face a massive wave of transfers. Hundreds of thousands of entrepreneurs are looking for a successor – but for many, the process ends before it has even really begun. Not because there are no buyers, but because the company itself is not ready for transfer.

A lack of transparency in the figures, unclear structures, excessive dependence on the owner – these are all stumbling blocks that prospective buyers recognise in the due diligence process. What seems obvious to the owner can quickly appear to be a risk from an investor’s perspective. Commercial preparation is decisive for much more than just the price. It is the basis for whether a buyer gains confidence, whether a process runs smoothly – and whether a life’s work passes into stable hands.

A well-prepared company signals control, structure and vision. Clarity in finances, orderly documentation and professional processes create the necessary security for a successful succession. The value of a company is never just a number. It is an expression of entrepreneurial quality – measurable in terms of stability, predictability and attractiveness to third parties.

The better a company is positioned commercially, the more valuable it is perceived to be – and the greater the chances of a successful succession.

Anyone who is currently dealing with the issue of succession or would like to start planning early will find practical insights and concrete starting points for a successful handover in the following article.

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