Comparison
Ways to take over a company, compared
There are four common ways companies and successors find each other: succession marketplaces, succession and M&A advisors, search funds and programmes like an accelerator. Each way fits a different situation.
Succession marketplace
- What it is
- Online platform with listings, for example nexxt-change
- Who it is for
- Owners and buyers who search on their own
- Preparation of successors
- no
- Cost for owners
- often free
- Successor's share
- depends on the deal
- Strength
- large reach
- Limit
- little personal support
Advisor
- What it is
- Advisory that accompanies a sale
- Who it is for
- Owners who want a structured sales process
- Preparation of successors
- mostly not
- Cost for owners
- fee, often with a success fee
- Successor's share
- depends on the deal
- Strength
- experience in the sales process
- Limit
- focus on the seller side
Search fund
- What it is
- Investors fund the search and the purchase
- Who it is for
- People with a management or finance background
- Preparation of successors
- by investors
- Cost for owners
- mostly none
- Successor's share
- often a smaller share, investors hold a lot
- Strength
- capital and backing
- Limit
- only makes sense for larger companies
Accelerator like Nachfounder
- What it is
- Programme that prepares successors and matches them with companies
- Who it is for
- Founders, ex-founders, executives and owners
- Preparation of successors
- yes, in the programme
- Cost for owners
- flat fee for the business portrait
- Successor's share
- depends on the deal, usually high when financed classically
- Strength
- preparation, matching and support from a single source
- Limit
- small cohorts, limited spots
Which way fits you?
Succession marketplace, if you want to search actively yourself and have time.
Advisor, if you are an owner and want a professional sales process.
Search fund, if you want to take over a larger company and give up shares for capital.
Accelerator, if you have already founded or led a company and want support with search, financing and handover.
The ways are not mutually exclusive. Many acquisitions come from a combination.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
What is the best way to take over a company?
It depends on your role, your capital and the size of the company. The table helps you get your bearings.
Can I combine several ways?
Yes, that is even common.
What does a succession marketplace cost?
Many marketplaces are free for listings, extra services can cost a bit.
Which way is yours?
Whether you want to take over or hand over: we talk to you personally.