A reliable supplementary channel for Germany-focused searchers alongside nexxt-change, covering businesses across all German sectors with a strong focus on commercial transactions rather than succession alone.
dub.de, the Deutsche Unternehmensbörse, is an independent German online marketplace for business purchases, sales and successions founded in 2011 and backed by the Handelsblatt network. With over 80,000 registered users and approximately 3,500 active listings at any time, it is one of Germany’s three leading business marketplaces alongside nexxt-change. For search funds focused on Germany it provides a complementary listing channel to nexxt-change, covering businesses that owners or their advisors have chosen to list on a commercial platform rather than the government-backed exchange.
Why searchers use it
Not every German business owner uses nexxt-change. Some prefer a commercial marketplace with broader reach and a more transaction-oriented environment. dub.de attracts a somewhat different seller profile including businesses seeking buyers at slightly larger deal sizes, companies with broker representation, and owners who want their listing to reach a broad community of investors and entrepreneurs. For a Germany-focused searcher monitoring listed deal flow, checking dub.de alongside nexxt-change ensures visibility into a wider segment of the market. The platform also includes an insolvency marketplace, which some searchers monitor for distressed acquisition opportunities, and a broker directory for identifying German M&A advisors active in the SME segment.
Core capabilities relevant to search funds
- Business listings: Browse SMEs listed for sale or succession across all German sectors with filters for sector, region, revenue and asking price
- Buyer profile: Create a public acquisition profile so sellers and brokers can approach you directly
- Email alerts: Automated notifications for new listings matching your acquisition criteria
- Broker directory: Access to M&A advisors and business brokers active on the platform, useful for building intermediary relationships
- Insolvency listings: Separate section for distressed businesses and insolvency sales
- Advisor access: Option to engage professional M&A advisors for transaction support directly through the platform
Honest limitations
dub.de is a commercial marketplace where sellers pay to list. This means listing quality varies and some listings have been on the market for extended periods without a transaction, often signalling pricing or structural issues. As with all public marketplaces, listed businesses are visible to all buyers simultaneously, so there is no proprietary advantage. The platform requires a working knowledge of German to use effectively since content and listings are primarily in German.
Getting started
Create a free buyer account, set your acquisition criteria and configure email alerts. No subscription is required to browse listings and contact sellers directly. Creating a visible buyer profile is recommended as sellers and brokers actively search for qualified buyers on the platform.
Pricing
- Free for buyers to browse, contact sellers and create a buyer profile.
- Sellers pay a listing fee of several hundred euros per listing.
