The first place any Germany-focused searcher should register, free to use, institutionally backed and covering businesses across all sectors and regions in Germany.
nexxt-change is a German online business succession marketplace operated by the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action together with KfW, the Association of German Chambers of Industry and Commerce, the German Confederation of Skilled Crafts and the German Savings Banks Association. It connects business owners seeking a successor with buyers and entrepreneurs looking to take over an existing company. Since its launch in 2006 the platform has facilitated over 22,300 successful business transfers across Germany.
Why searchers use it
nexxt-change is the most legitimate and widely trusted channel for German business succession. Because it is government-backed and free for both sellers and buyers, it attracts a large volume of genuine listings from owners across all sectors and regions, including many who would never approach a commercial broker. For a Germany-focused searcher it is an essential monitoring channel alongside direct outreach, ensuring visibility into businesses where the owner has already decided to seek a successor. The platform’s network of 431 regional partners across Germany, including chambers of commerce, savings banks and craft guilds, also gives searchers access to local advisors who can support the acquisition process in specific regions.
Core capabilities relevant to search funds
- Business listings: Browse thousands of German SMEs listed for succession across all sectors and federal states
- Buyer profile: Create a public buyer listing describing your acquisition criteria so owners can approach you directly
- Search filters: Filter listings by sector, federal state, company size and type of succession sought
- Regional partner network: Connect with local chambers of commerce and savings banks who support buyers through the succession process
- Financing information: Guidance on KfW financing and government support programmes for business acquisitions
- Events: Calendar of regional succession events and information sessions across Germany
Getting started
Create a free account, set up a buyer profile describing your acquisition criteria and begin browsing listings. Setting up a visible buyer profile is recommended since owners and their advisors actively search for qualified buyers on the platform. The platform is in German, so a working knowledge of German is required to use it effectively. Registration and all features are completely free for buyers.
Pricing
Completely free for buyers. The platform is publicly funded and does not charge buyers any subscription or access fee.
