75,000 Swiss businesses to be transferred by 2030: state of the market 2025

The demographic challenge: 75,000 transfers by 2030

According to recent studies, 75,000 Swiss businesses will need to find a buyer by 2030. This impressive figure is explained by the ageing of business leaders: more than 40% of business owners are over 55 years old.

The baby boomer generation is reaching retirement age en masse. The average age of SME leaders in Switzerland is 58 years. This situation is creating an unprecedented wave of transfers on the Swiss succession market.

The businesses concerned employ approximately 400,000 people. The challenge goes beyond a simple transaction: it is about preserving jobs, expertise and the local economic fabric.

Digital platforms such as Leez.ch facilitate connections between qualified sellers and buyers.

Portrait of the Swiss market in 2025

The Swiss acquisition market is characterised by a high concentration of family-owned SMEs. Here are the key market data for 2025:

• ~75,000 businesses to be transferred by 2030

• ~400,000 jobs directly impacted

• Estimated economic value: ~100 billion CHF

• Average transfer time: 18-24 months

• Success rate: approximately 50%

The geographical distribution shows a concentration in German-speaking Switzerland (60%), followed by French-speaking Switzerland (30%) and Ticino (10%). This distribution reflects the Swiss economic fabric.

The SME transfer statistics reveal that 70% of transfers concern businesses with fewer than 50 employees.

Distribution by canton

Economically active cantons naturally concentrate the largest number of planned transfers:

• Zurich: 15,000 businesses (20%)

• Vaud: 7,500 businesses (10%)

• Bern: 7,000 businesses (9%)

• Geneva: 5,500 businesses (7%)

• Aargau: 4,500 businesses (6%)

This concentration reflects the density of the economic fabric. Urban and industrial areas are particularly affected.

The French-speaking cantons represent approximately 30% of transfers, with a strong presence in services and commerce. Browse available businesses by region on our platform.

Most affected sectors

The acquisition trends vary greatly depending on the sector of activity. Here is the distribution of transfers by sector:

• Retail: 25% of transfers

• Crafts and construction: 20%

• Business services: 18%

• Manufacturing: 15%

• Hospitality and catering: 12%

• Other sectors: 10%

Retail is particularly affected by digitalisation and online competition. Crafts suffer from a lack of qualified successors.

Technology sectors and specialised services attract more qualified buyers, facilitating transfers.

The main obstacles to succession

Despite the high number of businesses to be transferred, numerous obstacles hinder transactions. The 50% failure rate is explained by several recurring factors.

The main challenges identified in 2025:

• Lack of qualified buyers (40% of cases)

• Insufficient preparation (30%)

• Inappropriate valuation (15%)

• Emotional aspects (10%)

• Complex financing (5%)

These obstacles lengthen timelines and reduce the chances of success. Anticipation of 3-5 years is recommended to maximise opportunities.

Swiss administrative and tax complexity adds a layer of difficulty for foreign buyers.

The lack of qualified buyers

The gap between supply and demand constitutes the main brake on the market. For 75,000 businesses to be transferred, only 40,000 qualified potential buyers are estimated.

The profile sought by sellers is demanding: sectoral experience, managerial capabilities, sufficient equity and strategic vision. These criteria drastically reduce the pool of candidates.

This gap directly impacts valuations downwards and lengthens transfer timelines. Businesses in traditional sectors or peripheral regions particularly struggle to find buyers.

The baby boomers in succession often have to revise their expectations to complete the transaction.

Insufficient preparation

According to transfer figures, 60% of entrepreneurs begin preparing their sale less than 2 years before the desired date. This timeframe is largely insufficient.

Late preparation leads to several negative consequences:

• Sub-optimal business valuation

• Incomplete financial documentation

• Excessive dependence on the leader

• Rushed and stressful process

Experts recommend a 3 to 5-year horizon to optimise value and structure the business. Discover the common mistakes to avoid when selling an SME.

Market trends for 2025-2030

The succession market is evolving rapidly under the influence of several structural factors. Digitalisation is profoundly transforming practices.

The major trends identified for the coming years:

• Digitalisation of connection processes

• Increased transparency on valuations and transactions

• New profiles of buyers (executives, foreign investors)

• Internationalisation of the buyer market

• Professionalisation of support services

These developments facilitate transactions and expand the pool of potential buyers. Consult our complete guide to sell your business effectively.

The digitalisation of the process

Digital platforms are revolutionising connections between sellers and buyers. They offer national, even international, visibility whilst preserving confidentiality.

The advantages of digitalisation are multiple:

• Expanded visibility to qualified buyers

• Enhanced confidentiality via digital non-disclosure agreements

• Accelerated process through automation

• Transparency on steps and documents

Leez.ch embodies this evolution by effectively connecting sellers and buyers via a secure infrastructure. Digital tools reduce average transaction times by 30%.

This digital transformation democratises market access for SMEs.

The evolution of buyer profiles

The typical buyer profile is evolving significantly. Beyond traditional family succession, new players are emerging on the market.

The new buyer profiles in 2025:

• Executives in career transition: 35% of buyers, seeking autonomy and purpose

• Serial entrepreneurs: 25%, acquiring multiple businesses

• Foreign investors: 20%, attracted by Swiss stability

• Family succession: 15%, in decline

• Other profiles: 5%

These buyers have varied motivations: independence, external growth, diversification or tax optimisation. They are often better trained and supported than in the past.

Valuation: state of practices in 2025

Valuation remains a major point of friction between sellers and buyers. The methods used in Switzerland have standardised around three main approaches.

The most common valuation methods:

• Practitioners' method: 60% of cases (substantive value + capitalisation of profits)

• EBITDA multiples: 30% (depending on sector, 3x to 8x)

• Discounted Cash Flow (DCF): 10% (large SMEs)

Multiples vary greatly depending on sectors and asset quality. Discover multiples by sector and use our free valuation tool.

Implications for market players

Faced with these challenges, sellers and buyers must adapt their strategies to maximise their chances of success.

Recommendations for sellers:

• Anticipate 3-5 years in advance

• Prepare financial documentation

• Reduce personal dependence

• Obtain a professional valuation

Recommendations for buyers:

• Position yourself early on the market

• Develop sectoral flexibility

• Secure financing in advance

• Train yourself on succession issues

Our network of experts (fiduciaries, lawyers, M&A advisers) supports transactions. Budget the costs of your succession effectively.

The Swiss business succession market is experiencing an unprecedented transformation. With 75,000 SMEs to be transferred by 2030, the stakes are considerable: maintaining employment, preserving expertise, economic continuity. The obstacles remain numerous: lack of qualified buyers, insufficient preparation by sellers, valuation gap between sellers and buyers.

However, solutions exist. Digitalisation facilitates connections, new buyer profiles are diversifying, and support tools are becoming more professional. The key to success lies in early preparation and a structured approach.

Are you considering transferring your business or acquiring an SME? Estimate the value of your business for free or discover available opportunities on Leez.ch. Our platform gives you access to a qualified network and the tools necessary to realise your project under the best conditions.