What Advantages Does the Bremen Business Location Offer to Business Sellers?
Bremen, the smallest German federal state with its two cities Bremen and Bremerhaven, offers unique opportunities for business sellers as a traditional hub for trade and logistics. With a gross domestic product of €38.6 billion (2023) and key economic clusters in the port, logistics, aerospace, and wind energy sectors, the location presents itself as a dynamic economic area with an international orientation.
Its strategic position with direct access to the North Sea and excellent infrastructure makes Bremen-based companies particularly attractive to buyers looking to benefit from established trade routes and logistical advantages. The four ports in Bremen and Bremerhaven together form Germany’s second-largest port location, providing ideal conditions for import- and export-oriented businesses.
Despite its modest size, Bremen boasts a diversified economic structure with a strong SME sector. This diversity increases the chances of finding a suitable successor, regardless of your company's industry. The close integration of science and business through institutions like the University of Bremen and the Fraunhofer Institute for Manufacturing Technology and Advanced Materials further strengthens the location’s innovative capacity.
What Is the Current Succession Situation in Bremen’s SME Sector?
The Bremen SME sector comprises around 35,000 companies securing approximately 250,000 jobs. According to surveys by the Bremen Chamber of Commerce, about 2,500 of these companies will face succession challenges in the next five years, with family-internal solutions becoming increasingly rare.
The average equity ratio of Bremen companies is 27.8%, providing a solid foundation for buyers. Companies in logistics, maritime industries, and renewable energies are particularly in demand, benefiting from Bremen’s specific location profile.
Demographic change is significantly increasing the need for succession in Bremen as well. With over 30% of entrepreneurs older than 55 years, a growing market for business buyers is emerging. This development offers sellers good opportunities to find a suitable successor but also requires early and professional preparation of the sales process.
Which Industries Are Particularly Strong in Bremen for Business Sales?
Bremen is characterized by several distinctive industry focuses that receive special attention in business sales:
The maritime economy and logistics have traditionally formed the backbone of Bremen’s economy. Companies in this sector benefit from excellent infrastructure and established networks. Sales often achieve above-average valuations, especially when specialized expertise or a stable customer base is present.
The aerospace industry, anchored by the Airbus plant and numerous suppliers, represents an important economic sector. Companies operating in this highly specialized industry attract strong interest from strategic investors.
In renewable energies, particularly offshore wind energy, Bremen has established itself as a leading location. Companies with expertise in this growth market are highly sought after by buyers.
The food and beverage industry has a long tradition in Bremen. Well-known brands such as Kaffee HAG, Jacobs, and Beck's have their roots here. Companies in this sector with established products and brands often command attractive prices in sales.
The research and development sector is also gaining importance. Technology-oriented companies benefiting from proximity to research institutions and the university are attractive acquisition targets for innovation-focused buyers.
How Is the Value of a Bremen Company Determined?
The valuation of a company in Bremen generally follows established methods but takes regional specifics into account:
The income approach forecasts the company’s future earnings and discounts them to present value. Bremen companies with stable customer relationships and strong market positions can benefit from positive future prospects.
The multiplier method uses industry-specific factors multiplied by key figures such as EBIT or EBITDA. In Bremen, these multipliers vary significantly by sector, with companies in logistics and maritime industries often valued using EBITDA multiples between 3.5 and 6.
The asset-based approach considers the tangible value of all assets minus liabilities. This method is particularly relevant for asset-intensive companies, such as those in logistics or manufacturing.
For a sound valuation, consulting an experienced business appraiser familiar with the regional market conditions is recommended. A professional valuation forms the basis for realistic price expectations and increases the chances of a successful sale.
What Support Can Sellers Access in Bremen?
Bremen offers a dense network of support services for entrepreneurs looking to sell their business:
The Bremen Chamber of Commerce operates a dedicated succession center offering advice, seminars, and brokerage services. The "Nachfolgeclub Bremen" organizes regular events where sellers and potential buyers can connect.
The Bremen Chamber of Crafts has business advisors specializing in business succession. They assist with company valuation and can refer suitable prospects from their network.
BAB – The Bremen Development Bank provides special financing programs for business succession. These can benefit both sellers and buyers, for example, in structuring transition arrangements.
RKW Bremen (Rationalization and Innovation Center) offers consulting and coaching for sellers and can facilitate contact with potential buyers through its network.
Specialized M&A advisors focusing on Bremen’s SME sector possess valuable market knowledge and buyer networks. They can professionally guide the entire sales process.
Online platforms like viaductus complement traditional brokerage channels and increase the chances of finding the right successor for your Bremen-based company.
How Does the Sales Process in Bremen Work Optimally?
Selling a company in Bremen follows a structured process that leads to success with proper preparation:
The preparation phase should ideally begin 1–2 years before the planned sale. During this time, you can work on optimizing your business: cleaning up the balance sheet, improving profitability, and documenting key processes and customer relationships.
Professionalism is crucial when preparing the sales documents. A compelling sales prospectus presents your company optimally and contains all relevant information for potential buyers. An anonymized short profile (teaser) serves as the initial contact point.
Buyer search is conducted discreetly and purposefully. In Bremen, besides traditional methods like direct approaches to strategic investors, regional networks and events such as the "Nachfolgeclub Bremen" are valuable.
After initial discussions with interested buyers and signing a confidentiality agreement, the due diligence phase follows, during which the potential buyer thoroughly examines your company.
In the negotiation phase, purchase price, payment terms, and transition arrangements are agreed upon. Special attention is given to the tax aspects of the transaction and the drafting of the purchase agreement.
A realistic timeframe for the entire sales process is usually 6 to 12 months. Professional support from M&A advisors, tax consultants, and lawyers can significantly facilitate this process.
What Tax Particularities Should Be Considered in Bremen?
The sale of a business has significant tax implications that can be optimized through early planning:
In an asset deal, i.e., the sale of individual company assets, profits are generally subject to income tax. However, under certain conditions, exemptions under § 16 EStG can be utilized, especially if the seller is over 55 years old.
In a share deal, i.e., the sale of company shares, tax treatment depends on the legal form. For corporations, the partial income procedure applies, allowing 40% of capital gains to be tax-free.
As a federal state with its own tax administration, Bremen has specific regulations in some areas, such as real estate transfer tax, which can be relevant in property transactions within a business sale. The current tax rate in Bremen is 5%.
Establishing a holding structure before the sale can offer tax advantages and should be examined in advance. The use of reinvestment options under § 6b EStG can also reduce tax burdens.
In family-internal transfers, special reliefs for inheritance and gift tax may apply. The transfer of business assets within the family can, under certain conditions, be largely tax-free.
Early consultation with specialized tax experts familiar with Bremen’s specifics is essential to minimize tax liabilities in the business sale.
How Can You Leverage Bremen’s Networks for Your Business Sale?
Bremen is characterized by close networking among economic players, which can benefit you in selling your business:
The regional economic development agency WFB (Wirtschaftsförderung Bremen GmbH) maintains various industry networks that bring together potential buyers from your sector. Particularly in the clusters of logistics, maritime economy, and aerospace, valuable contacts can be made here.
The "Forum Unternehmensnachfolge Bremen" organizes regular meetings where sellers and potential buyers come together in a confidential atmosphere. This platform is especially suitable for small and medium-sized enterprises.
Industry initiatives such as "Wind Energy Agency WAB," "aerospace Bremen," or "BHV Logistics" offer specialized networks for companies in specific sectors and can support targeted buyer searches.
Alumni networks of Bremen’s colleges and universities can be used to establish contact with potential successors who already have a connection to the region and possess the necessary professional qualifications.
By actively utilizing these regional networks, you increase your chances of finding a well-matched successor for your company who can optimally leverage Bremen’s specific strengths.