UNTERNEHMENSBÖRSE GRÖNIG & KOLLEGEN AG SECURES SUCCESSION FOR THRIVING FAMILY BUSINESS

The family business, which has existed for over 60 years, was founded by the parents of today's managing directors and further developed by the two sons into a stable business with a broad, long-standing customer base of 400 active customers. As a wholesaler and retailer of frozen foods, the company supplies catering customers and community caterers (kindergartens, retirement homes, hospitals, etc.).

For years, the increasingly difficult market environment has been characterized by aggressive price politics and a strong concentration processes of the major players. Nevertheless, through tight management and a high level of flexibility, with regard to customer requirements, the owners have managed to generate a stable income as one of the few small providers.

The search for a suitable successor has been made much more difficult as initially assumed in view of the business figures, due to the tense market situation,.

In addition to the presentation of the sale offer on the well-visited website of the business market, the consultants of the business exchange Grönig & Kollegen AG therefore started to address other relevant market players very early on. During this phase, there were several far-advanced discussions with potentially interested parties, which, however, were unsuccessful due to the lack of willingness to finance of the banks.

As a result, the employees of the business exchange Grönig & Kollegen AG managed to convince their clients to support potential buying interests with the help of a vendor loan if necessary. On this basis, the search for buyers was extended to start-ups with industry experience.

In the short term, the business exchange Grönig & Kollegen AG was able to conclude a qualified LOI with a sales expert close to the industry. However, due to the cancellation by the proposed commercial director, this sales process could not be continued.

In the further course, talks with a technically savvy and industry experienced took shape. After the first introductory discussion in the company, further discussions took place in quick succession with the prospective customer, who intends to build up a group of companies. The acquired company including the real estate should serve as the basis for this.

Overall, the implementation of the succession plan took two years due to the difficult market situation. Ultimately, this approach led to a good solution, so that the successful family business is good and experienced hands and the existing potential regarding targeted product range extensions can be successfully expanded in the future.