Business succession
Business succession in Saxony
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)
Saxony has a long industrial tradition and many businesses that were founded or taken over in the 1990s. Their founding generation is now facing handover. Especially in skilled trades and among industry-related suppliers, the search for a successor is currently pressing.
The region at a glance
Saxony has a long industrial tradition, from mechanical engineering to automotive suppliers to microelectronics around Dresden. There are also many skilled trade and construction businesses.
Many businesses were founded or privatized in the 1990s. Their founding generation is now reaching the age for handing over, often without a successor in the family.
For successors, Saxony offers solid businesses with experienced teams. Especially outside Dresden, Leipzig and Chemnitz, the number of interested successors is often smaller than the number of businesses.
Saxony in numbers
- around 7,400
- businesses will be up for handover between 2026 and 2030
- 47
- successions per 1,000 businesses, national average 52
- Rank 15
- 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
- Skilled trades
- Construction
- Microelectronics
- Retail and trade
Contacts in the state
Chambers
- IHK Dresden, IHK zu Leipzig and IHK Chemnitz
- Chambers of skilled crafts in Dresden, Leipzig and Chemnitz
Development bank
Sächsische Aufbaubank (SAB, the state development bank)
Guarantee bank
Bürgschaftsbank Sachsen (the state guarantee bank)
Support programmes in 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 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: Sächsische Aufbaubank (SAB, the state development bank), KfW and investment capital
- Ask for a guarantee if collateral is missing: Bürgschaftsbank Sachsen (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 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 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, Sächsische Aufbaubank (SAB, the state development bank) and Bürgschaftsbank Sachsen (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 Saxony?
The chambers of industry and commerce and the chambers of skilled crafts in the state advise on succession. For financing, your house bank, Sächsische Aufbaubank (SAB) and Bürgschaftsbank Sachsen are key contacts. Nachfounder also brings founders and businesses together.
How many businesses are up for succession in Saxony?
IfM Bonn estimates around 7,400 successions for 2026 to 2030, about 47 per 1,000 businesses.
How do I finance a takeover in 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 Sächsische Aufbaubank (SAB, the state development bank). If collateral is missing, Bürgschaftsbank Sachsen (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 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 Saxony is a good first step.
Do I have to be from 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 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.