Business succession
Business succession in Brandenburg
National average: 52. That puts the state 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)
Many businesses in Brandenburg were founded after 1990, and their owners are now reaching the age for handing over. Proximity to Berlin is an advantage: successors can take over a business without leaving their surroundings entirely.
The region at a glance
Brandenburg's economy consists of small businesses: skilled trades, construction, agriculture and food, logistics and tourism. Many businesses were founded after 1990 and are still run by their founding generation today.
That generation is now reaching the age for handing over. Around Berlin, demand for skilled trades and services is growing, while in rural regions finding a successor is harder.
For successors, Brandenburg often offers manageable purchase prices and direct access to the large Berlin market. The development bank, the guarantee bank and the chambers work closely together on succession.
Brandenburg in numbers
- around 4,800
- businesses will be up for handover between 2026 and 2030
- 48
- successions per 1,000 businesses, national average 52
- Rank 13
- 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
- Skilled trades
- Construction
- Food industry and agriculture
- Logistics
- Tourism
Contacts in the state
Chambers
- IHK Potsdam, IHK Cottbus and IHK Ostbrandenburg
- Handwerkskammern in Potsdam, Cottbus and Frankfurt (Oder)
Development bank
Investitionsbank des Landes Brandenburg (ILB, the state development bank)
Guarantee bank
Bürgschaftsbank Brandenburg (the state guarantee bank)
Support programmes in Brandenburg
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 Brandenburg
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 des Landes Brandenburg (ILB, the state development bank), KfW and investment capital
- Ask for a guarantee if collateral is missing: Bürgschaftsbank Brandenburg (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 Brandenburg
- 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 Brandenburg
- 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 des Landes Brandenburg (ILB, the state development bank) and Bürgschaftsbank Brandenburg (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 Brandenburg?
The chambers of industry and commerce and the chambers of skilled crafts in the state advise on succession. For financing, your house bank, Investitionsbank des Landes Brandenburg (ILB) and Bürgschaftsbank Brandenburg are key contacts. Nachfounder also brings founders and businesses together.
How many businesses are up for succession in Brandenburg?
IfM Bonn estimates around 4,800 successions for 2026 to 2030, about 48 per 1,000 businesses.
How do I finance a takeover in Brandenburg?
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 des Landes Brandenburg (ILB, the state development bank). If collateral is missing, Bürgschaftsbank Brandenburg (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 Brandenburg 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 Brandenburg is a good first step.
Do I have to be from Brandenburg 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 Brandenburg?
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.