How to Successfully Acquire a Company with Little Equity

From Long-Distance Running to Business Succession – A Conversation with Jan Podubrin

In the latest episode of the viaductus Podcast, Jan Podubrin shares his experiences with the acquisition of Gall Maschinenbau GmbH. He speaks candidly about the challenges of finding the right company, the complex financing process, and the importance of networking and advisory support for aspiring successors. He also emphasizes why patience and realistic expectations are essential for a successful transition.

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🚀 Jan’s Journey to Gall Maschinenbau GmbH

• Jan took over Gall Maschinenbau GmbH and shares his very personal succession journey.
• The search process was lengthy: it took many months to find the right company.
• Financing was achieved through a combination of bank loans and a seller loan – a classic structure that builds trust.
• Personal suitability was especially important during bank negotiations: Jan consciously prepared himself for his entrepreneurial role.
• The transition to self-employment was challenging: it wasn’t just about money, but about responsibility, leadership, and entrepreneurship.
• Networking played a major role: other entrepreneurs, advisors, and potential partners were key companions throughout the process.
• Patience was a key attribute: Jan stresses that you can’t expect everything to be perfect right away.
• His long-term plan: more than just running one company – he is thinking about building a corporate group.

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💡 What Aspiring Successors Can Learn from This

1. Searching Takes Time
   The search for a company is not a sprint but a marathon. It pays off to thoroughly evaluate before making a move.

2. Advisory Support Is Essential
   External M&A advisors, tax experts, or coaches can help strategically structure the acquisition process and avoid pitfalls.

3. Combine Financing Smartly
   A mix of bank loans and seller financing can be effective – it reduces equity risk and builds trust with the seller.
   ↪️ Relevant article: Financing Business Succession – Paths to a Successful Acquisition

   If little equity is available, there are still options:
   ↪️ Learn more: Business Succession Without Equity

4. Suitability Matters
   Banks look not only at numbers but also at the personality of the buyer. Industry experience, leadership skills, and a clear plan are crucial.
   ↪️ More on loan types and requirements: Loans for Business Acquisition – What Options Are There?

5. Build Networks
   Interacting with other entrepreneurs, successors, and experts is not only supportive but often critical for finding deals and financing partners.

6. Develop a Long-Term Perspective
   Just because a company is acquired doesn’t mean the journey ends. Jan is already thinking in terms of group structures and growth through acquisitions.

7. Bring Patience
   Not every deal works out immediately. Realistic expectations help avoid disappointments and enable sustainable leadership.

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🎧 Listen Now

• Apple
• Spotify
• YouTube

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🔗 Additional Resources at Viaductus

• For a broader perspective on the succession landscape: 600,000 Companies Seeking Successors by 2028
• If you are interested in models with little equity: Buying a Business with Little Equity
• Also consider whether an emotional exit strategy suits you: Emotional Exit: Entrepreneurs Sell – But Stay

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✨ Conclusion

Jan’s story proves that acquiring a company is a long-term, multifaceted process – but when well prepared, with the right financing and plenty of patience, it can be incredibly rewarding. For anyone considering becoming a successor, this episode highlights how important not only the numbers are but also the people, the network, and the strategy.