Blog, HR & Payroll: 27.01.26Business succession in Switzerland: a personal and macroeconomic challenge

Business succession in Switzerland is far more than a simple handover. It is a strategic, emotional and often complex milestone. It affects not only financial and operational dimensions, but also the founding values of a company. For a business owner, handing over a company also means passing on part of their identity, their commitments and their vision.

In Switzerland, business succession is becoming an urgent issue for thousands of company leaders. According to a Crédit Suisse study, more than one fifth of SMEs plan a succession within the next five years. These companies represent close to 400,000 jobs, or around 10 percent of total employment.

This trend is largely driven by the retirement wave of baby boomers, who account for more than 50 percent of Swiss SME owners. Over the next 15 years, business transfers will therefore intensify. Proper preparation is essential.

Succession models are evolving. While family succession remains the preferred option for 41 percent of business owners, non-family successions are gaining ground.

Common forms of non-family succession include:

• Management Buy-Out (MBO): takeover by employees or internal management
• Management Buy-In (MBI): acquisition by external parties
• Sale to a company or an investment fund: a more financial and strategic approach

This diversification reflects the growing difficulty Swiss SMEs face in finding family successors. It also requires a rigorous and well-structured succession process.

Succession planning takes time. Too many business owners wait until the last moment, often due to lack of time or reluctance to confront the emotional dimension of this transition.

At Synergix, we observe daily that companies which plan their succession early achieve smoother and more successful transitions. This typically includes:

• gradual transfer of responsibilities
• legal and tax preparation
• clear communication with all stakeholders

Family successions are often complex. Emotions, unspoken expectations and fairness considerations can make decision-making difficult. External mediation or strategic support can help prevent internal conflicts.

On this topic, our article on Synergix’s corporate culture highlights how essential communication and role clarity are within a sustainable organisation.

A well-managed sale relies on a professional valuation. Our corporate finance specialist, Mazyar Araeipour (CFA), explains:

“In a non-family transfer, valuation is a key step. It helps define a realistic range, avoiding overvaluation or undervaluation that could jeopardise the transaction.”

Buyer profiles

• Strategic buyers, often willing to pay a higher price
• Private equity funds, return-driven and often more demanding
• Employees, frequently motivated but with more limited financial resources

To explore this topic further, the Swiss Confederation portal offers practical guides for SMEs.

Due diligence, or acquisition audit, secures the transaction for both parties. It typically includes:

• financial analysis
• tax review
• legal review
• social and employment-related risks

At Synergix, we support companies in preparing for these audits through our outsourced accounting and HR management services.

A business transfer is not only about balance sheets. It also involves passing on corporate culture. Poor transmission of values can lead to loss of identity, demotivation or the departure of key employees.

The successor must be able to embody the founding vision while also bringing a fresh perspective. Transferring leadership is therefore just as critical as transferring ownership.

Investing in succession planning means:

• preserving company value
• maintaining team motivation
• avoiding family or legal disputes
• securing jobs and commercial partnerships

A well-prepared business succession in Switzerland offers a high return on investment, both from a human and an economic perspective.

Key stakeholders to involve include:

• tax advisers and lawyers
• valuation experts
• mediators or family business coaches
• HR and finance specialists

Synergix positions itself as a trusted partner to help SMEs navigate strategic transitions successfully. Our human, professional and results-oriented approach enables us to support business owners effectively during this critical phase.