Plan early
Many owners address their succession only late. Yet an orderly transfer usually requires several years of preparation. During this time, dependencies on the owner can be reduced, processes documented and the figures prepared in such a way that the company becomes comprehensible to successors or buyers.
Alongside the business questions, personal considerations play a major role: What role does the owner wish to play after the transfer, what expectations exist within the family, and how should long-standing employees be dealt with? Clarifying these questions openly is often just as important as the figures.
Succession options
In principle, various routes may be considered. Each has its own business, personal, legal and tax consequences, which must be carefully weighed.
- Transfer within the family
- Takeover by employees or managers
- Sale to an external buyer or a competitor
- Gradual transition with participation of the successor
Making the company ready for transfer
A company is readily transferable when it does not depend solely on the owner. We help to spread customer relationships across several shoulders, strengthen a second management level, document processes and establish meaningful reporting.
On request, we prepare a business assessment of the company's value as a basis for discussions. It does not replace a valuation report for tax purposes, but provides realistic orientation.
Supporting the transition
We support the search for and approach to suitable successors, the preparation of documents and the design of the transition phase. This includes a plan for the gradual transfer of responsibility, customer and supplier relationships and knowledge.
The legal and tax structuring of the transfer is handled by licensed professionals (lawyers, tax advisers, notaries). We work closely with your advisers and ensure that business and legal considerations are aligned. Questions of purchase price financing are clarified by you and the successor in consultation with the bank.
Frequently asked questions
When should one start succession planning?
As early as possible. Several years of lead time create scope to make the company ready for transfer and to examine various options calmly.
Do you also advise on inheritance and gift tax?
No. Tax questions are clarified by tax advisers, legal questions by lawyers and notaries. We work together with these professionals.
Can you find a buyer for our company?
We support the search for and approach to potential successors and buyers and the preparation of discussions. Success naturally cannot be guaranteed.