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For business owners who are considering a sale in the medium to long term, this means that anyone who wants to make their succession process more successful should consider the opportunities presented by international buyer pools. Attractive opportunities are emerging, particularly in stable markets such as Germany, Austria, Switzerland, and, increasingly, Poland—provided you have the right partner by your side.
DACH, Poland, and the Czech Republic: Stability Meets Growth
The DACH region remains a reliable core market for business succession. Despite economic uncertainties and declining transaction numbers, the volume of individual deals continues to rise. In Switzerland, regulatory trade restrictions with the EU were recently lifted—a move that significantly simplifies mergers and acquisitions involving EU parties. In Austria, we are seeing increasing activity in the technology sector as well as among niche industrial providers.
Case Study: Poland—A Dynamic Market with Growing Succession Challenges
Despite geopolitical challenges, Poland’s economy has been growing steadily for years. GDP growth of over 3% is forecast for 2025. EU membership, a stable legal framework, high levels of digitalization, a generation of entrepreneurs eager to innovate, and a skilled workforce make the country equally attractive to investors and entrepreneurs from the DACH region.
At the same time, many Polish small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) founded after the political transition beginning in 1989 are now facing succession issues—an ideal environment for strategic acquisitions. At the same time, Polish companies are increasingly emerging as buyers in German-speaking countries, particularly in industrial niches or technology-driven sectors.
International succession processes require experience and market knowledge
The successful implementation of an international business succession places high demands on structure, communication, and the legal framework. SMEs, in particular, benefit from advisors who are familiar with the specific conditions of individual markets—such as in Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Poland, or the Czech Republic.
Key success factors include access to suitable buyer pools, the secure structuring of cross-border transactions, and the ability to assess cultural and strategic fit. Depending on the industry and the company’s situation, international buyers can open up interesting opportunities—for example, through technological expertise, financial strength, or market knowledge.
It is crucial that the succession process be managed in a structured and well-founded manner: from identifying potential buyers through the legal and tax structuring to the successful handover. In an international context, experience, market understanding, and personal networks are becoming increasingly important.
Why You Should Think Internationally
A growing number of our clients demonstrate that entrepreneurs who explore international options early on secure strategic advantages. International buyers are often well-capitalized, tech-savvy, and long-term oriented—and they bring new perspectives for the further development of your company. Especially in family-owned businesses where there is no internal successor, this can be the key to ensuring the company’s value-driven continuity.
This is not about blind globalization, but rather about targeted expansion: toward suitable buyer profiles, complementary cultures, and new markets—guided by an experienced M&A team that understands the language, mindset, and negotiation logic of all parties involved.
Conclusion: Succession knows no borders today
International business succession is no longer a distant vision—it has long been a reality. If you, too, are considering selling your business, you should not overlook the options beyond your country’s borders.
As part of the con|cess network, I—Norbert Richter—have been assisting entrepreneurs for many years in their search for the right successor. And I am convinced that the best deals emerge when market knowledge, strategy, and international experience come together.
Feel free to reach out to us—even if you’re just exploring initial ideas about succession. After all, good preparation is half the battle.
