Succession plans

A common reason for external succession planning is a lack of suitable candidates from the family or existing company management who could continue to run the company. For some companies, however, a possible internationalisation or strategic realignment also plays a role, which can be driven forward by selling to an external partner or taking on an investor. Last but not least, in the right market environment, high valuations and strong demand from investors can provide a financial incentive to consider an external solution.

By 2026 alone, around 200,000 companies are expected to be handed over to the next generation or to an external shareholder group.

At the same time, many companies are not at all familiar with presenting their company as a whole and working out the strategic advantages that can arise for a buyer as a result of the acquisition. In many cases, there is also no experience with the entire environment of financial investors (private equity, family offices, industrial holding companies, etc.) and this option cannot be assessed accordingly. Conversely, the complexity of integrating another company, locations, employees and supplier and sales partner relationships for a buyer is sometimes underestimated.

This raises important questions for many companies:

• Is my company even ready for an external takeover?
• What commitments do I have to make and what risks do I have to accept?
• How can confidentiality be ensured throughout the entire process so as not to jeopardise day-to-day business?

Our M&A teams specialise in supporting the complex process of selling a company and achieving the best possible result in the interests of the shareholders. Thanks to our many years of experience and access to relevant investor groups, we can develop customised solutions that meet the respective needs of the company and its owners. Professional negotiation management and stringent process management not only ensure a high success rate, but also compliance with the desired timetables.