Transforming the Silent Succession Crisis in the DACH SMEs

As demographic shifts accelerate and succession pathways weaken, Europe’s SME sector faces growing structural pressure. In the DACH “Mittelstand,” thousands of businesses risk closure as founders retire without successors, threatening the foundation of regional prosperity.

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This White Paper by bunch and Orbit highlights the Search Fund as a modern solution for business continuity. By pairing ambitious entrepreneurs with long-term investors, Search Funds make ownership transitions smoother and growth more sustainable.
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Born in the U.S. and now gaining traction across Europe, the model aligns incentives between investors and operators - preserving the legacy of established SMEs while preparing them for a new generation of leadership.

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