How to Find a Business for Sale in Bavaria?
The easiest way to find businesses for sale in Bavaria is through the AI-powered search function on viaductus. Here, you can search for companies currently on the market in Bavaria.
viaductus is the search engine for buying and selling businesses, as we scan and compile the entire public M&A market for you.
How Much Does It Cost to Buy a Business in Bavaria?
This is difficult to say, as it depends heavily on the size, location, industry, and financial situation of the company.
A good benchmark is usually the EBIT multiplier. This considers the company’s earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization and multiplies it by a factor between 3 and 8.
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Economic Strength and Regional Diversity
With a gross domestic product of €673.4 billion (2023), Bavaria is Germany’s strongest economic region and one of the most economically dynamic in Europe[1]. The state is home to globally renowned corporations such as BMW, Siemens, and Allianz, as well as a highly resilient Mittelstand (medium-sized enterprises).
The Bavarian economy is characterized by a healthy mix of traditional and innovative industries. While the southern part, including Munich and its surroundings, is dominated by high-tech companies, IT, and aerospace, Franconia and the Upper Palatinate host many successful medium-sized industrial companies. The rural areas are home to numerous "hidden champions"—often family-run businesses that are world market leaders in their niches.
The resilience of the Bavarian economy was impressively demonstrated during recent crises: with GDP growth of 0.2% in 2023, Bavaria proved its strength compared to the overall German decline of 0.3%[1]. On viaductus, you will find a wide range of sales offers from companies in Bavaria. Our advanced search function helps you further narrow down the companies found in Bavaria and filter by specific regions such as Munich, Nuremberg, or Augsburg.
The Challenge of Business Succession in Bavaria
Demographic change also poses significant challenges for the Mittelstand in Bavaria. According to the Bavarian Chambers of Industry and Commerce, around 40,000 Bavarian family businesses will face succession questions by 2030. This corresponds to about 800,000 jobs that must be secured through successful business transfers[2].
Particularly affected are crafts, retail, and traditional manufacturing companies. The situation is exacerbated by several factors:
- The large Baby Boomer generation is retiring in the coming years
- Family-internal successions are becoming less common as the younger generation often pursues different career paths
- In structurally weaker regions, finding qualified successors is especially challenging
At the same time, this development offers enormous opportunities for entrepreneurs looking to take over an established business. The Bavarian state government actively supports this through various programs such as the "Offensive Unternehmensnachfolge Bayern" and offers attractive financing options for business acquisitions via the LfA Förderbank Bayern[3].
Future Industries and Innovation Focus Areas in Bavaria
Bavaria has established itself as a leading innovation hub in Germany. Since 2019, the "Hightech Agenda Bayern," with an investment volume of €3.5 billion, has been driving the development of future technologies[4]. Potential business buyers will find the following industries and clusters particularly interesting:
IT and Digitalization
The Munich metropolitan area, known as the "Isar Valley," has become one of Europe’s leading technology hubs. In addition to well-known names like Apple, Google, and Microsoft, numerous innovative startups and medium-sized IT companies are located here. With the Technical University of Munich and the Research Center for Artificial Intelligence, the region offers excellent research infrastructure and skilled labor potential.
Mobility and Automotive
Bavaria has a strong tradition in the automotive industry. The transformation toward electromobility and autonomous driving presents great opportunities for innovative suppliers and service providers. The regions around Ingolstadt and Munich are particularly leading in this field.
Medical Technology and Healthcare
The Medical Valley European Metropolitan Region Nuremberg is one of the world’s leading medical technology clusters. It hosts highly specialized companies benefiting from proximity to excellent research institutions and university hospitals.
Renewable Energies and Environmental Technology
Bavaria invests heavily in sustainable energy concepts. Especially in northern Bavaria and the Alpine foothills, numerous companies have established themselves in solar energy, biogas, and energy efficiency sectors.
Aerospace
A significant aerospace cluster has developed in and around Augsburg. Both major players like Airbus and numerous highly specialized suppliers are based here.
What Does It Cost to Buy a Business in Bavaria?
The purchase price for a business in Bavaria varies significantly depending on industry, location, size, and financial situation. Industry-standard multipliers applied to key figures such as EBIT (Earnings Before Interest and Taxes) or EBITDA (Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation, and Amortization) usually serve as a guideline.
In Bavaria, the following benchmarks can serve as initial orientation:
- Craft businesses: 3-5x EBIT
- Manufacturing companies: 4-7x EBIT
- IT companies and technology-oriented service providers: 5-8x EBIT
- Established brand companies with strong market positions: 6-10x EBIT
Companies located in strong economic centers such as Munich, Nuremberg, and Augsburg are particularly attractive, where higher multipliers are common. In rural regions, purchase prices may be lower but often offer better value for money.
Specifically, this means:
- Small craft businesses or local service providers: €150,000 to €600,000
- Medium-sized companies in production or B2B services: €1 million to €5 million
- Established medium-sized companies with supraregional significance: €5 million to €50 million
In addition to the purchase price, potential buyers should consider additional costs:
- Due diligence: 1-3% of the purchase price
- Notary fees and land registry entries (for real estate acquisitions)
- Advisory fees (tax advisors, lawyers, M&A consultants)
- Financing costs and possible guarantee commissions
The LfA Förderbank Bayern offers favorable financing conditions specifically for business acquisitions with its "Entrepreneur Loan." Additionally, guarantees from the Bürgschaftsbank Bayern and, under certain conditions, grants are available.
Where to Find Businesses for Sale in Bavaria?
There are several ways to search for a suitable business in Bavaria:
Online Platforms and Business Marketplaces
viaductus.de is a leading platform for business succession and sales. Here you will find numerous Bavarian companies from various industries that are for sale. The Nexxt-Change business marketplace, supported by the Chambers of Industry and Commerce, also lists many offers from Bavaria.
M&A Advisors and Specialized Brokers
Professional M&A advisors and business consultants often have exclusive access to sales offers not publicly advertised. Especially for larger medium-sized companies, discreet sales via specialized advisors are the usual route.
Chambers and Associations
The Bavarian Chambers of Industry and Commerce as well as the Chambers of Crafts offer succession exchanges and brokerage services. They are particularly good contact points for smaller and regionally focused companies.
Regional Banks and Savings Banks
Entrepreneurs’ house banks often learn early about their clients’ sales intentions and can provide valuable contacts.
Direct Approach
Targeted direct approaches to companies can be particularly promising, even if they are not officially for sale yet. Many owners have not publicly addressed succession but are open to discussions when presented with a suitable offer.
Key Regions for Business Acquisitions in Bavaria
Bavaria is characterized by different economic focal regions, each with specific strengths and characteristics:
Munich and Upper Bavaria
The state capital and its surroundings form Bavaria’s strongest economic area. Here, alongside DAX-listed corporations, numerous innovative medium-sized companies from IT, media, aerospace, and finance sectors are located. The region stands out for its high innovation potential, excellent research institutions, and high quality of life. However, the greater Munich area is also one of the most expensive locations in Germany, reflected in company valuations.
Nuremberg-Fürth-Erlangen (Nuremberg Metropolitan Region)
This Franconian economic center combines traditional industry with modern medical technology, electronics, and automation. The region benefits from excellent central connections and proximity to several universities. Numerous medium-sized companies can be found here at comparatively moderate valuations.
Augsburg and Swabia
The region around Augsburg has developed into an important center for aerospace technology, mechanical engineering, and robotics. The textile industry, traditionally strong here, is increasingly specializing in technical textiles. The location offers good infrastructure at more moderate costs than the greater Munich area.
Regensburg and the Upper Palatinate
Regensburg has established itself as a location for automotive suppliers, electrical engineering, and mechanical engineering. The region hosts many family-run medium-sized companies with high technological competence and often international orientation.
Lower Bavaria
The region around Landshut, Passau, and Deggendorf has developed dynamically over recent decades. Alongside traditional craft businesses, increasingly innovative companies in environmental technology and lightweight construction are found here.
Upper Franconia and Lower Franconia
Northern Bavaria is characterized by a diverse Mittelstand structure. Particular strengths lie in the glass and ceramics industry, mechanical engineering, and medical technology. The region offers attractive acquisition targets often at more moderate prices than in southern Bavarian metropolitan areas.
The Business Acquisition Process in Bavaria
Acquiring a business in Bavaria follows a structured process that leads to success with good preparation:
1. Preparation and Search Phase
Define your personal and entrepreneurial goals. Which industry, company size, and location in Bavaria are suitable for you? A realistic assessment of your financial capabilities and management and industry experience is essential.
2. Initial Contact and Preliminary Analysis
After the first contact and signing a confidentiality agreement, you will usually receive a teaser or information memorandum. Review these documents carefully and ask targeted questions to gain a better understanding of the company.
3. Due Diligence
The Due Diligence involves a thorough examination of the financial, legal, tax, and operational aspects of the company. Key points include:
- Analysis of business figures from the last 3-5 years
- Review of key customer and supplier relationships
- Evaluation of employee structure and key personnel
- Examination of real estate, machinery, and technical equipment
- Review of tax situation and potential risks
4. Negotiation and Contract Phase
In this phase, purchase price, payment terms, and transition arrangements are finalized. Common contract models in Bavaria include:
- Asset Deal: purchase of individual assets
- Share Deal: purchase of company shares
- Hybrid forms with staggered payments or performance-based components (earn-outs)
5. Transition Phase
After signing the purchase agreement, the transition phase begins. Careful communication with employees, customers, and suppliers is now crucial for success. The Bavarian Chambers of Industry and Commerce offer special advisory services for this phase.
A realistic timeframe for the entire process from first contact to full takeover is usually 6 to 18 months. Professional support from M&A advisors, tax advisors, and lawyers can significantly facilitate this process.
Financing and Funding Opportunities in Bavaria
Bavaria offers extensive support for business successors. The key programs include:
LfA Förderbank Bayern
LfA offers special programs for business acquisitions:
- "Entrepreneur Loan" with favorable interest rates and long terms
- "Start Loan" for younger successors up to 5 years after founding/acquisition
- Liability releases for the house bank, facilitating loan approval
Bürgschaftsbank Bayern
If collateral is insufficient, the Bürgschaftsbank can provide guarantees covering up to 80% of the loan amount. This is an important instrument, especially for acquiring small and medium-sized businesses.
KfW Programs
In addition to Bavarian programs, nationwide KfW programs are available, particularly the "ERP Start-up Loan – Universal" and "ERP Capital for Start-ups."
Advisory Funding
Costs for professional advice before an acquisition are subsidized by various programs. The Bavarian Ministry of Economic Affairs and the BAFA (Federal Office for Economic Affairs and Export Control) offer grants covering up to 50% of advisory costs.
Equity Support
The BayBG Bavarian Investment Company can provide equity capital for business acquisitions as a silent or minority partner.
Regional Specifics and Local Expertise for Bavaria
When acquiring a business in Bavaria, some regional specifics should be considered:
Corporate Culture and Tradition
Many Bavarian companies take pride in their tradition and regional roots. Respecting these values can be decisive for a successful acquisition process. In more rural areas, personal relationships and networks play a particularly important role.
Employee Structures and Loyalty
Bavaria is characterized by a high level of training and strong employee loyalty to "their" companies. Retaining existing teams and managing cultural change are therefore critical success factors.
Regional Funding
Depending on the location in Bavaria, different regional funding programs can be accessed. Structurally weaker regions in eastern and northern Bavaria often offer additional support.
Leveraging Networks
The Bavarian economy is shaped by strong networks. Chambers of Industry and Commerce, Chambers of Crafts, industry associations, and regional economic development agencies provide valuable contacts and information.
Conclusion: Bavaria as an Attractive Location for Business Acquisitions
With its economic strength, diversified industry structure, and extensive support offerings, Bavaria provides an excellent environment for business acquisitions. The challenges of demographic change open numerous opportunities for successors who want to benefit from the substance and know-how of established companies.
The diversity of regions and industries makes it possible to find a suitable acquisition target according to one’s qualifications and financial capabilities. From traditional craft businesses to innovative technology companies and established industrial enterprises, Bavaria offers a broad spectrum of acquisition opportunities.
With proper preparation, professional support, and a clear post-acquisition concept, the chances of success as a business successor in Bavaria are very good.
Sources:
[1]: Statista: Gross Domestic Product of Bavaria until 2023
[2]: Statista: Bavaria Economic Indicators 2023
[3]: Economy in Bavaria: Innovation and Industry Clusters
[4]: Hightech Agenda Bavaria