Nachfolge-Monitoring Mittelstand 2025

In the KfW Research study „Nachfolge-Monitoring Mittelstand 2025“ (Succession Monitoring for SMEs 2025), Dr. Michael Schwartz analyses the current succession situation in the German SME sector. The study shows that by the end of 2029, around 109,000 small and medium-sized enterprises will be seeking a successor each year. At the same time, however, the number of planned business closures is also continuing to increase: around 114,000 companies are considering withdrawal without a succession solution each year.

The structural challenges of business succession become particularly clear here. Demographic change, a lack of interest from potential successors, and a significantly increased bureaucratic burden are among the key obstacles. At the same time, internal family transfers remain the preferred option for many owners. Furthermore, the study highlights that economic expectations have also risen: The average purchase price expectations for planned transfers by the end of 2029 are around €499,000, significantly higher than the level of the last survey.

Pleasingly, upcoming successions for 2025 and 2026 are often already well-prepared. Many companies have found successors or are in concrete negotiations, meaning that involuntary closures due to unfulfilled succession wishes are currently less likely to be expected. The study thus underlines that successful business succession in the SME sector primarily requires early planning, realistic expectations, and reliable framework conditions.