Transferring a business: the key success factors when it comes to handing over a business

In Switzerland, business succession is an important issue for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). In 2023, some 94,854 companies will be looking for a successor. Around 15% of Swiss companies with between 1 and 49 employees have problems with succession planning.

What are the key success factors when it comes to handing over a business?

The key is preparation. Preparation that is first and foremost psychological. Entrepreneurs are often very attached to their businesses. When the time comes to hand over the business, this can lead to decisions that are sometimes counterproductive. It all starts with awareness. You need to make sure that you are ready to part with your business and that you have the right support to do so at the right time.

There are several transfer strategies: family transfers, which account for around 41% of business transfers in Switzerland, sales to strategic buyers (e.g. national or international competitors), sales to financial investors or management buy-outs.

Each of these strategies has its advantages and disadvantages, which need to be carefully weighed. This is particularly true in the following areas:

• Legal and tax aspects play a decisive role and also require special attention and analysis.
• Valuation and appraisal of the business are also essential elements to ensure a clear understanding of its value.
• Communication and negotiation are essential to ensure a smooth transition and to align the expectations of all stakeholders.

In summary, a successful business transfer is based on rigorous preparation, effective communication and careful consideration of the legal, financial, tax and human aspects.

Our added value

We are partners to the businesses we support, acting and thinking like entrepreneurs:

• A holistic approach to your situation: We support companies in all aspects of their project, whether selling or buying, whether it is a personal situation or that of their company, taking into account all the parameters of the transaction.
• A single point of contact: A partner who accompanies you throughout the process, with a privileged contact who is familiar with all aspects of the project at hand and who will be able to guide each entrepreneur in a personalised way.
• Extensive experience and expertise: We can assist all types of businesses in all aspects of the transfer, from personal planning, through restructuring if necessary, to the transaction itself and post-transaction support.
• We are committed and enthusiastic in our day-to-day work to support entrepreneurs in their projects and help them achieve their goals. The aim is to optimise the personal situation of the entrepreneur and the company, to manage the assets and to ensure the transition, whatever the circumstances.

If you have specific questions or require personalised support, please do not hesitate to contact our business transfer experts.

Let's discuss your succession plans together!