Business succession
Business succession in Lower Saxony
National average: 52. This is the highest figure of all German states.
Source: IfM Bonn, Company successions in Germany 2026 to 2030 (Daten und Fakten No. 37, 2025)
Lower Saxony has many businesses in mid-revenue categories, which are handed over especially often. IfM Bonn also cites the state's balanced economic structure as a reason for the high figure. For successors, that means a large selection, especially in manufacturing.
The region at a glance
According to IfM Bonn, relative to its number of businesses, Lower Saxony has more upcoming successions than any other German state. The state is large, diverse and strongly shaped by its mid-sized businesses.
Alongside industry and suppliers around Hannover, Braunschweig and Wolfsburg, there are many businesses in agriculture, food, skilled trades and retail, especially in the Emsland, East Frisia and the south of the state.
One reason for the many successions is the larger number of businesses in mid-revenue categories. For successors, that means there are many businesses large enough for a sustainable takeover.
Lower Saxony in numbers
- around 19,000
- businesses will be up for handover between 2026 and 2030
- 61
- successions per 1,000 businesses, national average 52
- Rank 1
- 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
- Food industry
- Agriculture
- Skilled trades
- Logistics
Contacts in the state
Chambers
- IHK Braunschweig
- IHK Hannover
- IHK Lüneburg-Wolfsburg
- Oldenburgische IHK
- IHK Osnabrück-Emsland-Grafschaft Bentheim
- IHK für Ostfriesland und Papenburg
- IHK Stade
- plus the six chambers of skilled crafts in the state
Development bank
NBank (the state development bank)
Guarantee bank
Niedersächsische Bürgschaftsbank (NBB, the state guarantee bank)
Support programmes in Lower Saxony
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 Lower Saxony
For successors
- Set your search profile: industry, size, region and your role
- Clarify your equity and talk to your house bank early
- Check support: NBank (the state development bank), KfW and investment capital
- Ask for a guarantee if collateral is missing: Niedersächsische Bürgschaftsbank (NBB, 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 Lower Saxony
- 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 Lower Saxony
- 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, NBank (the state development bank) and Niedersächsische Bürgschaftsbank (NBB, 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
Why are so many successions coming up in Lower Saxony?
According to IfM Bonn, the state has many businesses in mid-revenue categories, which are handed over more often, plus a balanced economic structure.
Who helps with succession in Lower Saxony?
The IHKs and chambers of skilled crafts, and for financing your house bank, NBank and Niedersächsische Bürgschaftsbank. Nachfounder brings founders and businesses together.
How do I finance a takeover in Lower Saxony?
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 NBank (the state development bank). If collateral is missing, Niedersächsische Bürgschaftsbank (NBB, 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 Lower Saxony 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 Lower Saxony is a good first step.
Do I have to be from Lower Saxony 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 Lower Saxony?
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.