Nearly 10,000 businesses in Germany are at risk of closing down because new entrepreneurs cannot be found to take over after their current owners quit.
Nearly ten thousand businesses across Germany are at risk of closing down because of the lack of new entrepreneurs to take over after their current owners retire or quit their jobs.
The German Chamber of Industry and Commerce (DIHK) stated that there are approximately 9,600 businesses across the country that can continue operating, but only 4,000 investors are interested in taking over these businesses.
DIHK’s statement pointed out that this situation has been worsening in recent years, and that the transfer gap has almost doubled since 2019 .
“This situation does not only affect weak businesses, but also thousands of healthy and successful companies,” said DIHK President Peter Adrian.
Hotel and retail sectors are leading
According to a report prepared by the DIHK, significant challenges are faced in the transfer of businesses, particularly in the accommodation and retail sectors. The report notes that the number of individuals seeking to acquire businesses in these sectors represents only one-third of the existing number of businesses.
In the transportation sector, this rate drops to one-fourth.
Experts stated that it’s not enough to explain the growing takeover gap solely with demographic changes in Germany. The DIHK emphasized that the recession of the last two years, the stagnant economy, high energy costs, extensive bureaucracy, and the shortage of qualified personnel have also exacerbated this situation.
DIHK also revealed that more than a quarter of business owners are considering closing their companies entirely if they cannot find a suitable successor.
