Sell your company directly to a long-term buyer

Selling a company: what owners need to know

Owners who plan their succession early negotiate from a stronger position. For owner-managed B2B service companies the key question is how to find the buyer who will carry the life's work on.

Generation Tech Partners is itself the buyer. There is no marketplace and no intermediary between you and the decision. The process starts with a confidential first call.

After the acquisition we take on operational responsibility and invest in digitalization and AI-supported efficiency. Our aim is to develop the team, the brand and the operating business over the long term.

The process in five steps

1. 01

   Confidential enquiry

   We usually reply within 72 hours.

2. 02

   First call

   30 minutes with a Managing Partner.

3. 03

   Indicative offer

   Within 2 to 4 weeks, under NDA if you wish.

4. 04

   Due diligence and contract

   Closing usually 6 to 9 months after the first call.

5. 05

   Handover

   You stay on as managing director for 6 to 24 months.

Criteria for selling to Generation Tech Partners

What is different from succession platforms

• Confidential: no public listing and no market-wide teaser.
• Direct buyer: you speak with the people who decide and sign.
• Fast: a clear yes or no, usually within 72 hours.
• Operational: we take on responsibility after closing.
• Personal: one Partner stays your contact throughout.
• Sector knowledge in B2B services.

Checklist: is your company ready for succession?

• Annual accounts for the last three years are available (especially important).
• Normalized EBITDA is calculated and documented (especially important).
• The customer base is diversified.
• A second management level exists or has been identified.
• Contracts with key customers are secured for the long term (especially important).
• IT systems are documented and do not depend on the owner.
• Your personal time frame for stepping back is defined (especially important).
• The tax structure has been discussed with your advisor.

Tips for your succession process

Related topics

• Acquisition profile
• Business succession
• Small-cap succession
• AI-enabled roll-up
• Sales guide (German)

Questions and answers

Frequently asked questions

When is the right time to sell?

When the company is doing well and you still have time. Owners who sell early decide the timing and the terms themselves.

How do I find the right buyer?

Look for a buyer who wants to run the company for the long term and who takes the decision and signs the contract. Generation Tech Partners buys directly with institutional fund capital from a €60m fund.

What happens after closing?

The company keeps its team and continues to operate. We invest in processes, systems and AI in operations. If you wish, you stay on as interim managing director for 6 to 24 months.

What is the difference between an asset deal and a share deal?

In a share deal the shares in the company change hands. In an asset deal individual assets are sold. The choice has significant tax and liability consequences for both sides and is agreed individually.