Succession planning for small and medium-sized enterprises – fair, holistic, sustainable
We are DeFORIS Unternehmensberatung
We manage corporate successions from the initial analysis through to successful handover – independently, neutrally and with the aim of finding fair and sustainable solutions for all parties involved. In doing so, we look not only at figures and valuations, but also at people, structures and the question of whether your company is ready for handover and how it can be managed in the future.
No standardised processes, but individual succession solutions that secure the survival of your company.
Our company succession. What we specifically do for you.
Our succession advisory service covers all phases: from preparation and valuation, through the search for a successor, to contract drafting and handover. We work with structured tools and proven processes, have access to potential successors and financing partners, and support you comprehensively. The goal is a solution that is economically viable and fair for all parties involved.
“The successor was sitting in the company the whole time.” We highlight opportunities that were previously invisible. From preparation to handover. The solution: A succession that is fair for all parties.
restructuring
Analyse structures. Clean up processes. Make key figures transparent. The downside of waiting: the crisis arrives faster than the solution. The upside of taking action: stability returns. Before it is too late.
Strategic realignment
Markets are changing. Your strategy needs to keep pace. The problem: many react too late. Because: clarity takes time. We define goals. Sharpen positioning. Develop strategies that work operationally.
Our succession process in three clear phases
Preparatory phase
We are examining whether your company is ready for handover – economic situation, organisation, processes, staff structure and strategic alignment. At the same time, we are reviewing which succession options suit your situation: family, internal succession, external buyer. The goal is clarity regarding your starting position and realistic options. We do not evaluate your company solely based on figures, but look behind them – machinery, real estate, processes, customer relationships and know-how.
design phase
We develop potential succession concepts, subsequently define a clear profile of the ideal successor, and round off the process with a compelling exposé.
implementation phase
We connect you with potential and suitable successors. Through our network, via targeted pre-qualification and with a discreet approach. In negotiations, we represent your interests professionally, mediate between the differing perspectives of the vendor and successor, and work on solutions that are viable for both sides.
Concrete results for Your company
A corporate succession means not only a change of ownership, but also setting the course for the future. Following the succession, our clients achieve not only a successful transition, but also the long-term preservation of the business – from unclear prospects to fair solutions for all.
Fair solution for all involved
Balancing of interests between the transferor, successor, family and employees through neutral mediation and a holistic approach.
Business survival secured
Succession not only as a sale, but as a sustainable solution – with a focus on continuation, employees and the preservation of know-how.
Structured process instead of time pressure
Early planning and professional guidance with security for all involved.
Individual and different.
Frequently asked questions and answers
Business succession raises many questions, from valuation to handover. Here you will find answers to the most important topics relating to scheduling, process and costs.
The earlier you start, the more options you have and the less time pressure there will be. Banks view it negatively if no succession plan exists by the age of 55. And in the event of sudden illness, you will come under pressure, leading to poorer solutions.
The entire process varies depending on the company, ranging from analysis and preparation to the search for a successor and the handover. The biggest challenge is often bringing together the different perspectives of the predecessor and the successor. With professional guidance, you can avoid delays and conflicts.
The costs depend on the company size and the duration of the process. Following an initial discussion, we will prepare a transparent quote. Professional succession consulting is an investment in the long-term survival of the business – and pays off through fair solutions, avoided mistakes and successful handovers.
Others often sell to the highest bidder and charge commission. We look for fair solutions for everyone involved – transferors, successors, family, employees. We don't just look at the numbers, but also at whether the business is ready for handover and whether the successor is truly the right fit. Long-term preservation instead of a quick deal.
Our satisfied customers and customers
Companies choose DeFORIS because they are looking for clarity and reliability.
Let's start a conversation and find out together how we can support you in your individual situation. See things more clearly with a fresh perspective from the outside!
DeFORIS Unternehmensberatung advises small and medium-sized enterprises throughout Germany in the areas of business succession, corporate health check, restructuring, real estate and interim management, with offices in Cologne and Wittlich.