A team comparing routes for entering the German market

Market entry

Build, Partner or Buy

Germany market entry does not always start from zero. Compare a new operation, a strategic partnership and the acquisition of an established business.

Explore the full guide ↓
subject guide
01

Market entry

Build, Partner or Buy

Germany market entry does not always start from zero. Compare a new operation, a strategic partnership and the acquisition of an established business.

This is a subject guide. It focuses on one decision area and cross-links to the audience hubs where useful.

Three starting points

01

Build

Establish a new operation and choose the location, team, facilities and support framework that fit the project.

02

Partner

Work with established Mittelstand suppliers, customers, chambers, associations and industry networks.

03

Buy

Acquire an established owner-managed business, with succession making this route especially relevant.

Editorial illustration for Build01Build
Chapter 01

Build

Establish a new operation and choose the location, team, facilities and support framework that fit the project.

Build should be compared on control, speed, capital, integration and access to existing capability. Test those factors against the project's actual objectives.

Compare locations →
Editorial illustration for Partner02Partner
Chapter 02

Partner

Work with established Mittelstand suppliers, customers, chambers, associations and industry networks.

Partner should be compared on control, speed, capital, integration and access to existing capability. Test those factors against the project's actual objectives.

Explore partnerships →
Editorial illustration for Buy03Buy
Chapter 03

Buy

Acquire an established owner-managed business, with succession making this route especially relevant.

Buy should be compared on control, speed, capital, integration and access to existing capability. Test those factors against the project's actual objectives.

Explore Succession & M&A →

Route map

Move from question to the right next step.

Topics covered by this subject guide
FocusWhat it helps you understandContinue
BuildEstablish a new operation and choose the location, team, facilities and support framework that fit the project.Open chapter
PartnerWork with established Mittelstand suppliers, customers, chambers, associations and industry networks.Open chapter
BuyAcquire an established owner-managed business, with succession making this route especially relevant.Open chapter

Put the guide to work

Turn orientation into a practical decision.

Use the guide as a structured starting point, then confirm current requirements with the relevant official institution or qualified adviser.

  1. 01

    Frame the decision

    Define your objective, timing, location and the evidence you need before comparing routes.

  2. 02

    Follow the relevant pathway

    Use the chapters and cross-links to move from broad context to the specialist subject or audience route.

  3. 03

    Verify current conditions

    Programmes, eligibility, legal requirements and market conditions change. Confirm live details before acting.

Frequently asked questions

Clear answers,
useful context.

What does this guide cover?+

It covers Build, Partner, Buy.

Where should I start?+

Start with the chapter closest to your immediate decision, then use its direct link to continue into the relevant route.

Is this an audience hub or a subject guide?+

This is a subject guide. It focuses on one decision area and cross-links to the audience hubs where useful.

Continue exploring

01 / Audience routeFor Mittelstand Owners→02 / Audience routeFor International Companies & Investors→03 / Audience routeFor Global Talent→