Business succession
Business succession in Schleswig-Holstein
National average: 52. That puts Schleswig-Holstein, tied with Bremen, in second place behind Lower Saxony.
Source: IfM Bonn, Company successions in Germany 2026 to 2030 (Daten und Fakten No. 37, 2025)
Between the North Sea and the Baltic Sea, there are many solid family businesses, from skilled trades to tourism to the maritime industry. Its proximity to Hamburg also makes the state appealing to founders who want to take over a business without moving fully away from the metropolis.
The region at a glance
Schleswig-Holstein is shaped by skilled trades, tourism, the food industry, the maritime industry and a growing energy sector. Many businesses are owner-run and small to mid-sized.
According to IfM Bonn, relative to the number of businesses, an above-average number of successions are coming up, second only to Lower Saxony, tied with Bremen.
Its proximity to Hamburg also makes the state appealing to successors from the city. Many businesses are located in the Hamburg surrounding area or along the coasts.
Schleswig-Holstein in numbers
- around 7,200
- businesses will be up for handover between 2026 and 2030
- 55
- successions per 1,000 businesses, national average 52
- Rank 2
- 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
- Maritime industry
- Tourism
- Skilled trades
- Food industry
- Retail and trade
Contacts in the state
Chambers
- IHK zu Kiel
- IHK zu Lübeck
- IHK Flensburg
- Handwerkskammer Lübeck
- Handwerkskammer Flensburg
Development bank
Investitionsbank Schleswig-Holstein (IB.SH, the state development bank)
Guarantee bank
Bürgschaftsbank Schleswig-Holstein (the state guarantee bank)
Support programmes in Schleswig-Holstein
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 Schleswig-Holstein
For successors
- Set your search profile: industry, size, region and your role
- Clarify your equity and talk to your house bank early
- Check support: Investitionsbank Schleswig-Holstein (IB.SH, the state development bank), KfW and investment capital
- Ask for a guarantee if collateral is missing: Bürgschaftsbank Schleswig-Holstein (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 Schleswig-Holstein
- 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 Schleswig-Holstein
- 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, Investitionsbank Schleswig-Holstein (IB.SH, the state development bank) and Bürgschaftsbank Schleswig-Holstein (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 Schleswig-Holstein?
The IHKs and chambers of skilled crafts in the state advise on succession. For financing, house banks, Investitionsbank Schleswig-Holstein and Bürgschaftsbank Schleswig-Holstein provide support. Nachfounder brings founders and businesses together.
How many businesses are looking for a successor in Schleswig-Holstein?
IfM Bonn expects around 55 successions per 1,000 businesses for 2026 to 2030, more than the national average.
How do I finance a takeover in Schleswig-Holstein?
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 Investitionsbank Schleswig-Holstein (IB.SH, the state development bank). If collateral is missing, Bürgschaftsbank Schleswig-Holstein (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 Schleswig-Holstein 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 Schleswig-Holstein is a good first step.
Do I have to be from Schleswig-Holstein 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 Schleswig-Holstein?
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.