Succession planning is a very complex matter. Most of the companies are long-established, traditional firms that are looking for a successor for various reasons. This then involves economic, but above all human aspects, where many emotions are involved. GRIWA TREUHAND AG has already helped several companies to successfully master this step.
In the beginning, entrepreneurs usually ask themselves the same questions:
- Is there a suitable successor in the family?
- Is there a suitable successor in the company?
- Can I simply withdraw as owner – after all I am the soul of the company?
- How soon do I want to hand over the company and thus my life’s work?
- What is this life’s work worth?
- What happens to my employees? etc.
First of all, an intensive conversation with the owner is necessary to understand his wishes and fears. What are his goals?
In order to be able to assess whether the goals are realistic from an economic point of view, the company’s trustee is very quickly called in, who can give a clear insight into the world of figures.
Depending on the company, GRIWA TREUHAND AG will ask the question: What do we offer?
- Do you want to sell the company in the form of an asset deal?
- Or is a company in the form of an AG or GmbH for sale, i.e. a share deal?
- At what price do we offer the company?
After these questions have been clarified, the next step is to bring the company to the market. For this purpose, all operating figures must be compiled and the marketing documents prepared.
In the second phase, the marketing including the corresponding administration is tackled. This starts with an advertisement for the company to be sold, continues with visits to potential successors and discussions with banks that will take over the financing for the interested party, and ends with the purchase agreement. Depending on the company, this can take between a few weeks and several years.
The most intensive part of the process is then the preparation and execution of the company transfer.
This requires good coordination between the old and new owners and the suppliers, contractual partners and, above all, open communication with the employees in order to ensure a smooth transition. GRIWA TREUAHND AG acts as both organizer and link in one and is an important contact for both sides.
The new owner will also be accompanied by us after the handover until the business is running 100% smoothly.
In this way, GRIWA TREUHAND AG has already been able to help various businesses in the Bernese Oberland to a successful succession arrangement.
You can find here some examples of our work:
Or simply call us to arrange a consultation.
