Two generations planning a company leadership transition

Subject guide

Ownership transfer is both a continuity question and a market-entry route

A guide to buying, selling, handing over or investing in German owner-managed businesses.

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subject guide
01

Subject guide

Ownership transfer is both a continuity question and a market-entry route

A guide to buying, selling, handing over or investing in German owner-managed businesses.

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

Three starting points

01

Seller preparation

Clarify objectives, governance, timing and the information a credible process requires.

02

Buyer routes

Understand strategic, financial, management and family succession options.

03

Public acquisition sources

Use recognised market and advisory channels to identify opportunities.

Editorial illustration for Seller preparation01Seller preparation
Chapter 01

Seller preparation

Clarify objectives, governance, timing and the information a credible process requires.

Seller preparation needs coordinated commercial, financial, legal and human planning. Preserve operating continuity while clarifying ownership, governance and transition responsibilities.

Editorial illustration for Buyer routes02Buyer routes
Chapter 02

Buyer routes

Understand strategic, financial, management and family succession options.

Buyer routes needs coordinated commercial, financial, legal and human planning. Preserve operating continuity while clarifying ownership, governance and transition responsibilities.

Editorial illustration for Public acquisition sources03Public acquisition sources
Chapter 03

Public acquisition sources

Use recognised market and advisory channels to identify opportunities.

Public acquisition sources needs coordinated commercial, financial, legal and human planning. Preserve operating continuity while clarifying ownership, governance and transition responsibilities.

Editorial illustration for Finance & process04Finance & process
Chapter 04

Finance & process

Connect valuation, due diligence, financing and transition planning.

Finance & process needs coordinated commercial, financial, legal and human planning. Preserve operating continuity while clarifying ownership, governance and transition responsibilities.

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Route map

Move from question to the right next step.

Topics covered by this subject guide
FocusWhat it helps you understandContinue
Seller preparationClarify objectives, governance, timing and the information a credible process requires.Open chapter
Buyer routesUnderstand strategic, financial, management and family succession options.Open chapter
Public acquisition sourcesUse recognised market and advisory channels to identify opportunities.Open chapter
Finance & processConnect valuation, due diligence, financing and transition planning.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 Seller preparation, Buyer routes, Public acquisition sources, Finance & process.

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.

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