When there is no successor

Selling a family business is much more than a financial transaction. It carries decades of work, the team you have built and customer relationships developed over many years. These may not be fully reflected in the balance sheet, yet they matter when choosing the right buyer.

What we pay particular attention to

• We keep the business's future in view. We learn what a prospective buyer plans to do after taking over, so you can assess how well it fits your wishes.
• The team's future matters too. If keeping employees with the business after the ownership change is important to you, we represent that priority in negotiations. The parties' agreement can also be reflected in the contract.
• We plan the handover. You do not necessarily have to leave immediately after completion. We agree how long you will stay involved during the transition, what your responsibilities will be and how you will be paid.
• A partial sale may also be an option. You can transfer a minority or majority stake and agree separately on a later sale of the remaining shareholding.

What if someone in the family does want to take over?

Even if a family member is ready to take over, it is worth planning the transition early. Clarify the business's value, legal and tax questions, the new leader's responsibilities, and roles and expectations within the family. Our lawyer and tax adviser can help with these matters too.