Blog · 13 posts
Carrying on what others have built.
Figures, thoughts, and experiences on succession in the German Mittelstand (small and mid-sized companies). For everyone who wants to take over, and for everyone who wants to hand over.
13 posts
Background
The mymuesli comeback: Why established companies need an entrepreneurial spirit.
Max Wittrock has returned to mymuesli as CEO. Is this a business succession? We put it in context and share five lessons for anyone looking to take over an existing company.
24 September 2026 · 6 min read
For founders
Founding through acquisition: How to start with customers, a team and cash flow.
Start a business without starting from scratch: How you as a founder can take over, finance and develop an existing company.
22 September 2026 · 7 min read
Analysis
Succession in the German Mittelstand 2026: what the KfW succession monitor really shows
243,000 companies plan to close by the end of 2026, 186,000 seek a successor, and asking prices have risen by 34 percent. A senior view on the key numbers and what they mean for owners and successors.
18 September 2026 · 9 min read
For founders
Take over or start a company: What's a better fit for you.
Start a business from scratch or take over an existing one? A direct comparison of the opportunities, risks and costs, with a checklist to help you decide.
15 September 2026 · 6 min read
For owners
Finding a successor: How to pass your business into good hands.
No successor in the family? Here is how to find the right person for your business externally, including the process, tips, and the most common questions.
3 September 2026 · 7 min read
Analysis
Business succession in 2026: The most important figures.
How many businesses are looking for a successor, how many are closing down, what prices do owners expect? The latest figures for the German Mittelstand (small and mid-sized companies), compact and with sources.
27 August 2026 · 5 min read
For founders
Financing a business succession: How to pay for the takeover.
How to finance a company acquisition: Equity, your main bank, KfW development loans, guarantee banks, vendor loans and earn-outs explained simply.
19 August 2026 · 8 min read
Guide
Business succession in Germany: how it works and why it needs founders
Four routes to succession, what makes a handover work and why few women take over. An overview for owners and for anyone who wants to take over a company.
11 August 2026 · 8 min read
Background
The succession gap: why healthy companies close.
By the end of 2029, 569,000 owners of small and mid-sized companies plan to give up their businesses. Not because they are doing badly, but because there is no one to take over.
30 July 2026 · 8 min read
For owners
What is a small company worth? Valuation explained simply
How much is a business worth? A clear explanation of the common valuation methods for small and medium-sized companies, including the most important value drivers.
21 July 2026 · 7 min read
For successors
Take over instead of starting up: What you have from day one.
A startup spends years looking for customers, a team and cash flow. With a takeover, all that is already there. The work is different.
14 July 2026 · 9 min read
For owners
Planning your succession calmly. What matters for owners.
A handover isn't just a transaction. It's the second act for your life's work. A guide to get you started.
8 July 2026 · 9 min read
For founders
Search funds in Germany. How the model works and who it is for.
What is a search fund, how does it work and what are the alternatives for founders who want to take over a company? A simple overview.
1 July 2026 · 6 min read