On the Road to Success as an MBI Candidate: How to Find the Right Company

Learn how to find the right company as an MBI candidate and attract attention.

10 min reading time

Are you an experienced manager with the dream of entrepreneurial independence? A Management Buy-In (MBI) could be your path to implementing your own ideas and visions within an established company. But how do you, as an MBI candidate, find the right company and get noticed? Here are our top tips for a successful search.

Business Acquisition

1. Create a Convincing Profile

The first step toward your dream company is a strong profile. It is your business card with which you convince potential sellers and intermediaries. Your profile should include the following points:

  • Your management experience and professional competencies
  • Your entrepreneurial strengths and achievements
  • Your industry knowledge and networks
  • Your vision and motivation for an MBI
  • Your financial capabilities and expectations

Formulate your profile clearly, concisely, and authentically. Highlight your unique selling points and demonstrate the added value you can bring as the new managing director. A professional photo completes your presentation.

2. Define Your Target Companies

The clearer you know what you are looking for, the more targeted your approach can be. Therefore, consider your ideal company:

  • In which industry should it operate?
  • What size and revenue class do you aim for?
  • In which region should it be located?
  • Should it be a family-owned business or a corporate subsidiary?
  • What corporate culture and values are important to you?

Based on these criteria, create a requirements profile for your target companies. This will help you identify suitable acquisition targets and structure your search. Be realistic, but don’t lose sight of your ambitions.

3. Use Business Marketplaces and AI Tools

Digital platforms and tools are indispensable for finding potential MBI companies. Business marketplaces such as viaductus.com or nexxt-change.org offer a wide selection of companies seeking successors. Here, you can filter by industry, region, or size and directly contact the sellers.

Particularly innovative is the AI-based matching process of viaductus.com. Your preferences and competencies are matched with the requirement profiles of listed companies. This way, you receive tailored suggestions and can efficiently identify companies that truly fit you. This saves time and increases your chances of success.

4. Build a Network of Advisors

As an MBI candidate, you are not alone. Professional support from experienced advisors is the key to success. This includes especially:

  • M&A consultants and business advisors
  • Auditors and tax advisors
  • Lawyers and notaries
  • Financing experts and business angels

These experts not only assist you in searching for and evaluating potential companies but also serve as valuable sparring partners during negotiations and the structuring of the MBI process. Through their networks and market knowledge, they can also open doors to suitable companies.

Don’t hesitate to contact advisors early on. The sooner you assemble a strong team around you, the more professionally and successfully you can implement your MBI plans.

Your MBI Success Plan

To summarize: To find the right company as an MBI candidate, you need a convincing profile, a clear target definition, digital tools, and a strong advisory network. With this strategy, you not only get noticed but also set the course for a successful acquisition.

Always remember: An MBI is not a sprint, but a marathon. It requires patience, endurance, and perseverance to find the right match. But when the time comes and you take off as the new managing director, you will reap the rewards of your groundwork.

Do you have questions about your MBI project or would you like personalized advice? Our experienced team is happy to assist you. Schedule a non-binding initial consultation today and let’s write your success story together. With viaductus.com as a strong partner by your side, your dream company is within reach.

About the author

Artur Morozas profile picture

Artur Morozas

Co-Founder & CEO

For Artur, Managing Director of viaductus, succession in the German SME sector is a topic close to his heart. After studying at the Technical University of Munich, he founded viaductus to help companies and entrepreneurs successfully transition to the next generation.

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