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Perspectives and knowledge for ambitious people on their path to entrepreneurship.

What Does Buying a Business Really Cost? A Practical Cost Overview
Article

What Does Buying a Business Really Cost? A Practical Cost Overview

Acquiring an existing business is widely regarded as one of the most effective routes to self-employment – yet many prospective buyers underestimate the true costs involved. Beyond the purchase price, factors such as equity, debt financing, investor participation, public funding, and advisory and ancillary costs all play a central role. This article provides a realistic overview of the key cost components and financing models – including public grants and investor capital – and uses a practical example to illustrate what a typical budget framework looks like when acquiring an SME.

Which Industries Are Suited for Business Acquisitions? A Strategic Analysis
Article

Which Industries Are Suited for Business Acquisitions? A Strategic Analysis

Choosing the right industry is one of the most important strategic levers when acquiring a business. It influences not only the return potential, but also the risks, the competitive landscape, and your personal satisfaction as an entrepreneur. In this article, we analyse the key selection criteria, highlight the most promising industries for buyers in the DACH region, caution against typical "hype markets", and explain why personal fit ultimately determines long-term success.

The Optimal Deal Structure for Business Acquisitions – Earn-Out, Vendor Loans & More
Article

The Optimal Deal Structure for Business Acquisitions – Earn-Out, Vendor Loans & More

The structure of a business acquisition is often just as critical to its success as the purchase price itself. Whether you are acquiring a business for the first time or already have experience under your belt – the right combination of payment models, financing instruments, and performance-related components reduces risk, optimises cash flow, and aligns the interests of buyer and seller. This article provides an overview of the most common deal structures – such as earn-outs and vendor loans – explains their respective advantages and disadvantages, outlines what banks will accept, and analyses the implications for risk, liquidity, and control.

What Makes a Good Target Company – Criteria and Red Flags
Article

What Makes a Good Target Company – Criteria and Red Flags

Selecting the right target company is one of the most important and, at the same time, most demanding steps on the path to a successful business acquisition. Anyone who approaches this decision impulsively or purely on gut instinct risks not only financial losses, but also a significant investment of time and energy. The key principle is this: take sufficient time to define which businesses are genuinely worth considering for you – and why. Choosing the right industry is the first and most critical step in this process. A common mistake many buyers make is "falling in love" with an industry or business model that they find personally exciting or fascinating as a hobby – perhaps because they are music enthusiasts or have a passion for hospitality. However, an emotional connection to a subject is no guarantee of commercial success. Just because you enjoy music does not mean that a music shop represents an attractive investment. Professional buyers take a clear-headed approach to analysing market potential, the competitive landscape, and the business model – and do not allow personal preferences to cloud their judgement. Only once the industry and the fundamental business model align with your objectives, your capabilities, and the market environment does it make sense to examine individual target companies more closely. In the following, we outline what to look for, how to identify risks at an early stage, and why a structured scoring model can make all the difference.

Two business people shaking hands with a business analysis chart on the table in the foreground
Article

Comprehensive Checklist for Buying a Business: A Guide for Prospective Buyers

Acquiring an existing business is a proven way to enter entrepreneurship or expand your portfolio. Compared to starting from scratch, the buyer benefits from established structures, an existing customer base, and a business model that is already up and running. This checklist provides you with structured, practical guidance through the key phases of a business acquisition – from defining your strategic objectives and conducting a systematic search and due diligence, through to successful integration.