Resilience in Company Search

Rouven Behge has been working in logistics for many years and now faces the significant challenge of taking over a company as a successor. In the interview, he discusses resilience in company search, the advantages of having deep industry knowledge, and why succession entrepreneurship is the best next step.

9. September 20253 min reading time

viaductus Podcast Resilience in Company Search

Moving the Big Wheel with a Search Fund

Rouven Behge is a Searcher at NCA (Novastone Capital Advisors). The Search Fund enables him to target a larger company by involving additional capital from private investors for a deal.

🚚 Rouven’s Challenge & Motivation

Rouven has been active in the logistics industry for many years and is well acquainted with the processes, network, and typical business models.
Nevertheless, stepping into succession is a major challenge: not just a purchase, but a transformation—towards entrepreneurial responsibility.
For him, it is important not to take over just any company, but one that fits his knowledge, values, and network.
During his search, he experienced that resilience is essential—setbacks are part of the process, waiting is tough, but a realistic view of opportunities and risks pays off in the long run.
At the same time, he benefits from his deep industry expertise: he recognizes market mechanisms in logistics, can assess niche potentials, and has access to trusted contacts.
For him, succession is not merely a financial decision but the “best next step” to fully realize his professional potential.

💡 Key Learnings for Your Own Company Search

Build Resilience
The company search is not a straight path. Persistence, mental strength, and the ability to process setbacks are crucial for long-term success.
Leverage Your Industry Knowledge
If you already work in a sector, this is a significant advantage. You understand market structures, have a network, and know what matters in potential target companies.
Search Strategically, Not Spontaneously
A targeted search with clear criteria helps you find not just any company, but the right one. Quality over quantity.
Preparation Is Everything
Besides the search itself, prepare for financing, valuation, and discussions with sellers. A solid plan strengthens your negotiating position.
↪️ Check out our guide “Business Succession: A Guide to a Successful Transition”.
Involve Advisors & Networks
External experts, M&A advisors, and industry peers can help you avoid pitfalls and broaden your perspectives.
↪️ Especially helpful: the article on M&A Advisors in Succession.
Think Financing Smartly
Even if you bring your own capital, it’s worth exploring various financing sources—such as bank loans, promotional loans, or seller financing.
↪️ See also: Financing Business Succession – Paths to a Successful Acquisition.
↪️ The ERP Promotional Loan for Succession can also be an interesting option.
Develop a Long-Term Perspective
Don’t just think about the initial purchase—the succession can be the start of a corporate group or a strategic growth story.

🎧 Listen Now

🔗 More Relevant Resources at Viaductus

Learn why buying an existing company is often smarter than starting a new one in our guide: Succession Instead of Starting Up.
If you’re considering creative succession models, this article is worth reading: Employee Participation as a Succession Model.
And for those who want to combine succession with innovation: Succession as a Driver of Innovation.

🧭 Conclusion

Rouven Behge’s story demonstrates that resilience is not a nice-to-have but a core skill when searching for the right company. His deep industry knowledge makes him strong, and his clear plan gives him direction. For anyone considering succession themselves, his mindset is a powerful example: think carefully, stay persistent—but never lose sight of the bigger picture.