Business succession
Business succession in North Rhine-Westphalia
National average: 52. That puts the state above average.
Source: IfM Bonn, Company successions in Germany 2026 to 2030 (Daten und Fakten No. 37, 2025)
With the largest number of businesses in Germany, NRW is also the biggest market for successions. Between the Rhineland, the Ruhr area, the Münsterland, East Westphalia and the Sauerland, there are many owner-run industrial and service businesses. For successors, that means plenty of choice within easy reach of major cities.
The region at a glance
North Rhine-Westphalia has the largest number of businesses in Germany, and therefore also the most upcoming successions. Industry, retail, logistics and services are closely interlinked here.
The regions differ widely: the Ruhr area and the Rhine corridor are dense and urban, while the Sauerland, Siegerland, Münsterland and East Westphalia are strongly shaped by industrial family businesses.
For successors, NRW is a large market with short distances. The chambers and the development bank have dedicated succession offerings, and many businesses are within commuting distance of major cities.
North Rhine-Westphalia in numbers
- around 38,300
- businesses will be up for handover between 2026 and 2030
- 53
- successions per 1,000 businesses, national average 52
- Rank 6
- 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
- Industry and suppliers
- Business services
- Retail and trade
- Skilled trades
- Logistics
Contacts in the state
Chambers
- 16 chambers of industry and commerce (IHK), for example IHK Köln, IHK Düsseldorf and IHK zu Dortmund
- 7 chambers of skilled crafts (Handwerkskammer), for example Handwerkskammer Köln and Handwerkskammer Düsseldorf
Development bank
NRW.BANK (the state development bank)
Guarantee bank
Bürgschaftsbank Nordrhein-Westfalen (the state guarantee bank)
Support programmes in North Rhine-Westphalia
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 North Rhine-Westphalia
For successors
- Set your search profile: industry, size, region and your role
- Clarify your equity and talk to your house bank early
- Check support: NRW.BANK (the state development bank), KfW and investment capital
- Ask for a guarantee if collateral is missing: Bürgschaftsbank Nordrhein-Westfalen (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 North Rhine-Westphalia
- 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 North Rhine-Westphalia
- 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, NRW.BANK (the state development bank) and Bürgschaftsbank Nordrhein-Westfalen (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 North Rhine-Westphalia?
The chambers of industry and commerce and the chambers of skilled crafts in the state advise on succession. For financing, your house bank, NRW.BANK and Bürgschaftsbank Nordrhein-Westfalen are key contacts. Nachfounder also brings founders and businesses together.
How many businesses are up for succession in NRW?
IfM Bonn estimates around 38,300 successions in North Rhine-Westphalia for 2026 to 2030, more than in any other German state.
How do I finance a takeover in North Rhine-Westphalia?
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 NRW.BANK (the state development bank). If collateral is missing, Bürgschaftsbank Nordrhein-Westfalen (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 North Rhine-Westphalia 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 North Rhine-Westphalia is a good first step.
Do I have to be from North Rhine-Westphalia 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 North Rhine-Westphalia?
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.