Business succession
Business succession in Saarland
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)
Saarland is small and well-connected, and the distances to chambers, banks and businesses are short. Many businesses are close to industry or in the skilled trades. The location on the border with France and Luxembourg opens up additional markets.
The region at a glance
Saarland is industrially shaped, with suppliers, metal and steel, plus skilled trades, retail and services. The state is in the middle of structural change.
Relative to the number of businesses, slightly more successions are coming up than the national average. Because the state is small, chambers, banks and businesses know each other well, and contacts form quickly.
For successors, the border location is an advantage: France and Luxembourg are right next door and open up additional markets.
Saarland in numbers
- around 2,000
- businesses will be up for handover between 2026 and 2030
- 53
- successions per 1,000 businesses, national average 52
- Rank 8
- 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
- Skilled trades
- Retail and trade
- Business services
- Hospitality
Contacts in the state
Chambers
- IHK Saarland
- Handwerkskammer des Saarlandes
Development bank
Saarländische Investitionskreditbank (SIKB, the state development bank)
Guarantee bank
Bürgschaftsbank Saarland (the state guarantee bank)
Support programmes in Saarland
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 Saarland
For successors
- Set your search profile: industry, size, region and your role
- Clarify your equity and talk to your house bank early
- Check support: Saarländische Investitionskreditbank (SIKB, the state development bank), KfW and investment capital
- Ask for a guarantee if collateral is missing: Bürgschaftsbank Saarland (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 Saarland
- 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 Saarland
- 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, Saarländische Investitionskreditbank (SIKB, the state development bank) and Bürgschaftsbank Saarland (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 Saarland?
The chambers of industry and commerce and the chambers of skilled crafts in the state advise on succession. For financing, your house bank, Saarländische Investitionskreditbank (SIKB) and Bürgschaftsbank Saarland are key contacts. Nachfounder also brings founders and businesses together.
How many businesses are up for succession in Saarland?
IfM Bonn estimates around 2,000 successions for 2026 to 2030, about 53 per 1,000 businesses.
How do I finance a takeover in Saarland?
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 Saarländische Investitionskreditbank (SIKB, the state development bank). If collateral is missing, Bürgschaftsbank Saarland (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 Saarland 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 Saarland is a good first step.
Do I have to be from Saarland 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 Saarland?
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.