Succession Planning for a Medium-Sized Retail Company

An established group of companies consisting of two closely integrated entities in the attractive outdoor and home & living segment is for sale. The first company (GmbH) specializes in the production of high-quality outdoor textiles, upholstery pads, and protective covers, offering a high degree of customization and largely in-house fulfillment. The company has a strong position in the B2B segment, a very high percentage of repeat customers, and proprietary product developments with differentiation potential. The second company (GmbH) operates as an omnichannel retail platform with brick-and-mortar locations, partner locations, its own online store, and B2B and wholesale operations. The group benefits from clear operational synergies between production, retail, logistics, and its customer base. Investment Highlights Established group combining production and retail Attractive market with a focus on high-quality outdoor products Strong market position, long-standing reputation, and high proportion of repeat customers Omnichannel model with brick-and-mortar retail, online sales, wholesale, and B2B High proportion of in-house products in the manufacturing segment and cross-selling potential within the group Growth potential, particularly in e-commerce, international expansion, and scaling the B2C business

Our client is a medium-sized construction company with a long history and a strong regional presence. Since its founding, the company has evolved from a traditional construction firm into a modern general contractor specializing in building construction. Its operational focus is on challenging turnkey new-construction projects as well as the strategically important area of building renovation. The service portfolio includes, in particular, residential and commercial buildings, commercial real estate, social facilities, as well as hotel and vacation apartment complexes. In addition, the company carries out conversion, modernization, and renovation projects on existing buildings. A key differentiator is its professional organizational structure. The company has dedicated departments for cost estimation, BIM, project management, turnkey construction, building renovation, work planning, quality assurance, lean management, controlling, administration, and corporate digitization. As a result, the company is significantly more focused on project management, planning, and coordination than a traditional, trade-based construction firm. Of particular note is the company’s existing digital expertise. The BIM method is used in cost estimation and project planning to digitally model construction projects at an early stage, identify interfaces, and plan costs and schedules with greater reliability. In addition, the company employs lean management on its construction sites. The company enjoys a strong reputation in the regional market as a reliable, transparent, and collaborative contractual partner. Its market position is further bolstered by several awards, including recognition as a Top Innovator, Employer of the Future, and Construction Company of the Year. Long-standing relationships with investors, project developers, clients, and subcontractors form an important foundation for its stable market position. In 2025, the company employed approximately 50 people. The workforce consists of qualified construction managers, project managers, cost estimators, and BIM specialists, as well as commercial and administrative staff. A well-established second tier of management and low turnover in key positions create a stable operational foundation for a successor. The current order backlog is a key value driver. According to the borrower’s report, the company has a weighted order backlog of approximately 194 million EUR through 2029. Based on this, the calculated average annual revenue amounts to approximately 48.5 million EUR. For 2026, the plan calls for total revenue of approximately 52.8 million EUR. The sustainably derived EBITDA is approximately 970 TEUR. The main operating premises are privately owned by the shareholder and are leased by the company. They include, among other things, office space, a construction yard, and a warehouse, thereby providing a functional foundation for the company’s current size and its future operational development. The sale to an external successor is being pursued for retirement reasons and is a high priority. The goal is to ensure the long-term continuity of this established company and to consistently leverage its existing growth potential. Opportunities exist, in particular, in expanding the existing building renovation segment, strengthening sales and brand positioning, utilizing BIM expertise, and further professionalizing corporate management. The ideal successor should think entrepreneurially, possess social awareness, and cultivate a collaborative leadership style. A background in construction engineering is advantageous but not mandatory. An entrepreneur with a business-oriented background may also be considered, provided they respect the existing corporate culture and work with the team to further develop the company.

A successor or operator is needed on short notice for a continuously operating specialty store for arts and crafts in the Norderstedt area. The store is fully equipped and specializes in arts and crafts supplies, artist supplies, DIY products, and seasonal creative items. The location is in a shopping center and can, in principle, be continued without a complete overhaul. Depending on the terms of the agreement, the potential takeover includes, in particular, inventory, store fixtures, the existing store layout, and the opportunity for an orderly continuation of operations. The store is particularly well-suited for entrepreneurs, existing specialty retailers, online retailers looking to supplement their business with a brick-and-mortar location, or companies in the creative, hobby, and DIY sectors. We are seeking a short-term succession or acquisition solution to continue operations at this location. The exact terms—including, in particular, the purchase price, inventory, lease agreement, and handover date—will be determined following an individual review and consultation.

An established multichannel online retailer of brand-name products, which plans to focus on wholesale in the future, is putting its fully functional B2C e-commerce platform up for sale (100% of the shares). For the past 13 years, the company has successfully sold products through Amazon, eBay, Kaufland, ManoMano, MediaMarkt, and other platforms, as well as through its own online store (Shopware 5). To date, it has sold brand-name products in the tool, electronics, and household goods categories. The structure is extremely lean: Fulfillment is outsourced and handled externally. The existing warehouse building can continue to be used and leased. Customers: Products are sold to end consumers in the DACH region (primarily Germany). Key Features: The Amazon and eBay accounts have been active since 2013; there are approximately 7,000 Amazon reviews, approximately 75,000 eBay reviews, and around 11,000 Idealo reviews—this signals high credibility and reduces platform risk for the buyer. This long-standing history is a value in its own right, especially for international players looking to enter the DACH region or expand their presence there. For manufacturers, the portal offers an immediate direct-to-consumer channel across all relevant marketplaces; for wholesalers, it provides a quick entry into the B2C business; and for Amazon/platform retailers, it means additional sales and reach. The owner is available to ensure a smooth transition.

The company has been active in the wholesale and retail lighting sectors as well as in lighting design for 32 years and has an established multichannel distribution network. As part of a strategic realignment, the focus will be increasingly shifted toward expanding regional services. In addition, the online store will be adapted to changing customer buying behavior, and a targeted inventory system for replacement parts will be established. The further development of sales activities also includes the selective distribution of chosen brands and increased use of social media.