Business succession
Business succession in Bremen
National average: 52. IfM Bonn attributes this partly to the large number of mid-revenue businesses.
Source: IfM Bonn, Company successions in Germany 2026 to 2030 (Daten und Fakten No. 37, 2025)
Bremen and Bremerhaven have a strong mix of industry, logistics and services. Many businesses fall into mid-size categories that are especially attractive for a takeover: big enough for a solid business, small enough for a founder to run.
The region at a glance
Bremen is the smallest German state but economically strong: ports and logistics, aerospace, the food industry and many business-related service providers shape the city and Bremerhaven.
According to IfM Bonn, relative to the number of businesses, an above-average number of successions are coming up in Bremen. One reason is the high share of mid-sized businesses, which are handed over more often than very small ones.
The short distances are an advantage: chambers, the development bank and the guarantee bank are all easy to reach, and the surrounding area in Lower Saxony widens the selection of businesses.
Bremen in numbers
- around 1,400
- businesses will be up for handover between 2026 and 2030
- 55
- successions per 1,000 businesses, national average 52
- Rank 3
- 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
- Logistics and port industry
- Aerospace
- Food industry
- Retail and trade
- Business services
Contacts in the state
Chambers
- Handelskammer Bremen (the IHK for Bremen and Bremerhaven)
- Handwerkskammer Bremen
Development bank
Bremer Aufbau-Bank (BAB, the state development bank)
Guarantee bank
Bürgschaftsbank Bremen (the state guarantee bank)
Support programmes in Bremen
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 Bremen
For successors
- Set your search profile: industry, size, region and your role
- Clarify your equity and talk to your house bank early
- Check support: Bremer Aufbau-Bank (BAB, the state development bank), KfW and investment capital
- Ask for a guarantee if collateral is missing: Bürgschaftsbank Bremen (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 Bremen
- 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 Bremen
- 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, Bremer Aufbau-Bank (BAB, the state development bank) and Bürgschaftsbank Bremen (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 Bremen?
Handelskammer Bremen and Handwerkskammer Bremen advise on succession. For financing, house banks, Bremer Aufbau-Bank and Bürgschaftsbank Bremen provide support.
Why are there so many successions in Bremen?
According to IfM Bonn, one reason is the large number of mid-revenue businesses, which are generally handed over more often.
How do I finance a takeover in Bremen?
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 Bremer Aufbau-Bank (BAB, the state development bank). If collateral is missing, Bürgschaftsbank Bremen (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 Bremen 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 Bremen is a good first step.
Do I have to be from Bremen 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 Bremen?
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.