Business succession
Business succession in Berlin
National average: 52. That puts the state below average, but many businesses are still up for succession in absolute terms.
Source: IfM Bonn, Company successions in Germany 2026 to 2030 (Daten und Fakten No. 37, 2025)
Berlin has a young business landscape and one of the biggest startup scenes in Europe. That is why, relative to the number of businesses, fewer successions are coming up here. For founders based in Berlin, it is worth looking at the surrounding area: in Brandenburg and beyond, many businesses are looking for a successor.
The region at a glance
Berlin is shaped by services, skilled trades, retail, hospitality and a large startup scene. Its businesses are on average younger than in other states, which is why fewer successions are coming up relative to the number of businesses.
Even so, thousands of businesses in Berlin are looking for a successor, especially in skilled trades and among owner-run service businesses that have grown since the 1990s.
For many founders in Berlin, a takeover is an underrated alternative to starting from scratch. If you are open to the surrounding area, your options grow significantly, since many businesses in Brandenburg are within commuting distance.
Berlin in numbers
- around 7,700
- businesses will be up for handover between 2026 and 2030
- 40
- successions per 1,000 businesses, national average 52
- Rank 16
- 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
- Business services
- Skilled trades
- Retail and trade
- Hospitality
- Creative industries
Contacts in the state
Chambers
- IHK Berlin
- Handwerkskammer Berlin
Development bank
Investitionsbank Berlin (IBB, the state development bank)
Guarantee bank
Bürgschaftsbank Berlin (the state guarantee bank)
Support programmes in Berlin
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 Berlin
For successors
- Set your search profile: industry, size, region and your role
- Clarify your equity and talk to your house bank early
- Check support: Investitionsbank Berlin (IBB, the state development bank), KfW and investment capital
- Ask for a guarantee if collateral is missing: Bürgschaftsbank Berlin (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 Berlin
- 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 Berlin
- 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, Investitionsbank Berlin (IBB, the state development bank) and Bürgschaftsbank Berlin (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 Berlin?
The chambers of industry and commerce and the chambers of skilled crafts in the state advise on succession. For financing, your house bank, Investitionsbank Berlin (IBB) and Bürgschaftsbank Berlin are key contacts. Nachfounder also brings founders and businesses together.
Why are there fewer successions in Berlin?
IfM Bonn expects around 40 successions per 1,000 businesses in Berlin, the lowest figure of all German states. In absolute terms, that is still around 7,700 businesses by 2030.
How do I finance a takeover in Berlin?
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 Investitionsbank Berlin (IBB, the state development bank). If collateral is missing, Bürgschaftsbank Berlin (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 Berlin 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 Berlin is a good first step.
Do I have to be from Berlin 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 Berlin?
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.