Business succession
Business succession in Bavaria
National average: 52. That puts the state slightly below average, though the absolute number of successions is still high.
Source: IfM Bonn, Company successions in Germany 2026 to 2030 (Daten und Fakten No. 37, 2025)
Bavaria combines strong industrial hubs with many family businesses in rural areas. Outside the big cities in particular, many healthy businesses are looking for a successor. If you are open to a region, you will find a large selection here.
The region at a glance
Bavaria has a broad economic structure: industry and suppliers around Munich, Nuremberg and Ingolstadt, plus a dense network of skilled trades, food businesses and tourism in rural areas.
In Franconia, the Upper Palatinate, Lower Bavaria and the Allgäu in particular, many owners have run their business for decades. Their children have often moved into other careers or cities, so a family solution is not always an option.
If you are considering Bavaria as a successor, you will find a wide range of sizes and industries. It is important to contact the local chambers early, because many successions are never publicly advertised.
Bavaria in numbers
- around 34,500
- businesses will be up for handover between 2026 and 2030
- 51
- successions per 1,000 businesses, national average 52
- Rank 10
- of 16 states, measured by number of businesses
Successions per 1,000 businesses compared by state
Source: IfM Bonn, Company successions in Germany 2026 to 2030 (Daten und Fakten No. 37, 2025)
Typical industries
- Mechanical engineering and suppliers
- Skilled trades
- Food industry
- Tourism and hospitality
- Business services
Contacts in the state
Chambers
- 9 chambers of industry and commerce (IHK), for example IHK für München und Oberbayern, IHK Nürnberg für Mittelfranken and IHK Schwaben
- 6 chambers of skilled crafts (Handwerkskammer), for example Handwerkskammer für München und Oberbayern
Development bank
LfA Förderbank Bayern (the state development bank)
Guarantee bank
Bürgschaftsbank Bayern (the state guarantee bank)
Support programmes in Bavaria
A selection of programmes that can help with founding through acquisition and succession. Terms change, so the provider's page always applies. Applications usually run through your house bank and before the purchase.
There are also nationwide KfW programmes, such as the ERP-Gründerkredit StartGeld.
Succession guide for Bavaria
For successors
- Set your search profile: industry, size, region and your role
- Clarify your equity and talk to your house bank early
- Check support: LfA Förderbank Bayern (the state development bank), KfW and investment capital
- Ask for a guarantee if collateral is missing: Bürgschaftsbank Bayern (the state guarantee bank)
- Review the business with due diligence, tax and law with experts
- Plan a handover in stages with the current owner
For owners
- Clarify your goals: timing, your role afterwards, price expectations
- Clean up the figures and reduce dependencies on you personally
- Use succession advice from the chambers in Bavaria
- Get a realistic assessment of your business value
- Involve the team and key customers at the right time
- Meet suitable successors in person, for example through Nachfounder
How a takeover works in Bavaria
- 01
Sharpen your search profile
Decide on industry, size and region, and check whether a management buy-in fits you. - 02
Find businesses
Through chambers, the succession marketplace nexxt-change, your network or Nachfounder. First details usually come after a non-disclosure agreement. - 03
Check and finance
Review the business with due diligence, and put together financing with your house bank, LfA Förderbank Bayern (the state development bank) and Bürgschaftsbank Bayern (the state guarantee bank). - 04
Take over and hand over
Sign the purchase agreement and take on responsibility through a handover in stages.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Who helps with succession in Bavaria?
The chambers of industry and commerce and the chambers of skilled crafts in the state advise on succession. For financing, your house bank, LfA Förderbank Bayern and Bürgschaftsbank Bayern are key contacts. Nachfounder also brings founders and businesses together.
How many businesses are up for succession in Bavaria?
IfM Bonn estimates around 34,500 successions in Bavaria for 2026 to 2030.
How do I finance a takeover in Bavaria?
Usually through a mix of equity, a bank loan and support programmes. Your house bank applies for development loans such as the KfW ERP-Gründerkredit StartGeld, alongside programmes from LfA Förderbank Bayern (the state development bank). If collateral is missing, Bürgschaftsbank Bayern (the state guarantee bank) can provide a guarantee. Often a seller loan also covers part of the purchase price.
When should I as an owner in Bavaria start planning succession?
As early as possible. Chambers and advisors usually recommend several years of lead time, so the figures, contracts and processes are ready for handover and there is enough time to search and hand over in stages. Succession advice from the chambers in Bavaria is a good first step.
Do I have to be from Bavaria to take over a business there?
No. Many successors move to a new region for a takeover. What matters is industry knowledge, leadership experience and the willingness to be present on site. State support programmes usually depend on where the business is based, not on where you are from.
How do I find a business to take over in Bavaria?
Good routes are the succession marketplace nexxt-change, succession advice from the chambers, tax advisors and your own network in the region. Nachfounder prepares successors and makes a personal connection to suitable businesses.