Knowledge for business owners.
Clear answers on selling, buying, succession and valuing mid-sized companies. Technical terms are explained in our M&A glossary.
The business sale process: the 5 phases at a glance
How a mid-sized business sale works: 5 phases, timing, documents, buyer types, auction process, share or asset deal, taxes and the most common mistakes.
Read moreSelling a businessPlanning business succession: options, timeline and taxes
Planning business succession: family, MBO, MBI or sale, a realistic timeline, German inheritance and gift tax on business assets, and the emergency plan.
Read moreValuationBusiness Valuation for Mid-Sized Companies: Methods, Adjustments and Value Drivers at a Glance
Valuing a mid-sized company: capitalised earnings (IDW S 1), DCF, multiples, net asset value and the BewG method compared, with a worked example and pitfalls.
Read moreValuationCalculating Business Value: Step by Step from Adjusted EBITDA to Purchase Price
Calculate business value in six steps: adjust the figures, apply a multiple and the simplified capitalised earnings method, then bridge to the equity value.
Read moreValuationCapitalized Earnings Method: How Your Company Is Valued under IDW S 1 and the BewG
The German capitalized earnings method explained: IDW S 1, capitalization rate, 3.75% base rate, the simplified BewG method and worked examples.
Read moreGuidesDue Diligence Checklist: How to Prepare Your Company for the Buyer's Review
Due diligence checklist for sellers: which documents buyers review, how to set up the data room, resolve red flags early and limit your liability risks.
Read moreGuidesEarn-out in the Purchase Agreement: How the Earn-out Clause Works in a Business Sale
Earn-outs in the purchase agreement: metrics, term, worked example, contract drafting, risks and German tax treatment under BFH case law. A seller's guide.
Read moreValuationEBITDA Multiples for Mid-Sized Companies: Factors, Industry Values and Calculation
EBITDA multiples for mid-sized companies: formula, 2026 industry values, size discount, adjusted EBITDA and the path from enterprise value to purchase price.
Read moreGuidesLetter of Intent in a Business Sale: Contents, Binding Effect and Negotiation Tips
Letter of intent in a business sale: what an LOI covers, which clauses are binding, when notarisation may be required and how sellers negotiate well.
Read moreGuidesWhat Does an M&A Advisor Cost? Fee Models, the Lehman Formula and Additional Costs
What does an M&A advisor cost? Retainers, success fees, the Lehman formula, minimum fees, additional costs and tax treatment, with a worked example.
Read moreMarketsM&A Advisory in Austria: Preparing a Business Handover and Sale Properly
M&A advisory in Austria: market, succession, buyers, notarial deed, InvKG, competition law and tax when selling a company. With a comparison to Germany.
Read moreMarketsM&A Advisory Benelux: Buying and Selling Companies in the Netherlands, Belgium and Luxembourg
M&A advisory Benelux: what mid-sized firms need to know when selling to buyers from NL, BE and LU or acquiring there. Law, investment screening, process.
Read moreMarketsM&A Advisory in Eastern Europe: Acquisitions, Sales and Buyers in Central and Eastern Europe
M&A advisory in Eastern Europe: 2026 market, country overview from Poland to Bulgaria, tax rates, investment screening, risks and process for DACH businesses.
Read moreMarketsM&A Advisory in Germany: Market, Law, Tax and Choosing an Advisor for Mid-Sized Companies
M&A advisory in Germany: the 2026 market, the succession gap, buyer groups, law and tax when selling, plus fee models and criteria for choosing an advisor.
Read moreMarketsM&A Advisory in Switzerland: What SME Owners Need to Know When Selling
M&A advisory Switzerland: succession market 2025/2026, buyer groups, assignment under the CO, merger control, tax-free capital gains, tips for German parties.
Read moreValuationPurchase Price Negotiation in a Business Sale: From Value to Negotiated Price
Setting the purchase price in a business sale: reservation prices, bidder competition, locked box, earn-out and W&I. How business value becomes a good price.
Read moreSelling a businessSelling a business: the guide for owners of mid-sized companies
Selling a mid-sized business: the right timing, business value, buyer groups, costs, taxes and whether to sell on your own or with an M&A advisor.
Read moreSelling a businessSelling a GmbH: process, notary, taxes and liability
Selling a German GmbH: share or asset deal, notary under § 15 GmbHG, transfer restrictions, shareholder list, § 17 EStG and § 8b KStG taxation, liability traps.
Read moreSelling a businessSelling company shares: structuring a partial, minority or majority sale
Selling company shares: reasons for a partial sale, minority or majority stakes, valuation with control premium, tag-along, drag-along and tax implications.
Read moreSelling a businessSelling to Investors: Strategic Buyers, Private Equity, Family Offices and Search Funds
Selling to investors: strategic buyers, private equity, family offices and search funds compared, plus rollover equity, earn-outs and choosing a partner.
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