The 8 steps to a successful business acquisition in Switzerland

Step 1: Define your acquisition project (duration: 1-2 months)

Before launching into active searching, take the time to clarify your motivations and objectives. Why do you wish to acquire a business rather than create one? Buying a business or starting your own helps you confirm this strategic choice.

Define precisely the profile of the business you are looking for: sector of activity, size, geographical location, available budget. Honestly assess your managerial, technical and financial skills. Identify any gaps and areas where you will need support.

This reflection phase is crucial to avoid costly mistakes and target your searches effectively.

Essential selection criteria

Establish a precise list of your selection criteria:

• Sector of activity: Areas you master or are passionate about

• Target turnover: Realistic range according to your budget

• Geographical location: Area where you are prepared to establish yourself

• Acquisition budget: Available amount (equity + financing)

• Level of involvement: Operational or strategic management

The consistency between these criteria and your personal profile will largely determine the success of your acquisition project.

Step 2: Search for and identify opportunities (duration: 2-4 months)

The search for opportunities in Switzerland goes through several complementary channels. Digital platforms like Leez offer optimal visibility on businesses for sale, with precise filters and adapted confidentiality levels.

Professional networks, fiduciaries and direct approaches to entrepreneurs also remain relevant. The advantage of a digital marketplace: time saving, access to a wide portfolio of qualified opportunities, and secure process.

To deepen your search strategy, consult our complete guide on how to find the right opportunity.

Analyse listings and pre-select

Learn to decode a business sale listing. Essential information: history, turnover, profitability, workforce, reason for sale.

Positive signals: Stable growth, diversified clientele, clear reason for sale (retirement, reorientation). Red flags: Sudden drop in turnover, heavy dependence on one client, vague financial information, unexplained urgency.

Build a shortlist of 3 to 5 potential targets. Respect confidentiality levels: certain sensitive information is only accessible after signing a non-disclosure agreement (NDA).

Step 3: Make contact and sign an NDA (duration: 2-3 weeks)

Once your pre-selection is complete, initiate contact via the platform. On Leez, the process is structured and secure: mutual identity verification before any exchange of sensitive information.

The NDA (non-disclosure agreement) is essential before accessing detailed financial documents, names of main clients or any strategic information. This document protects both parties.

Prepare your first questions: seller's motivations, company history, team structure, main current challenges. This phase allows you to assess human compatibility, an often underestimated but determining element.

Step 4: Analyse the business in depth (duration: 1-2 months)

In-depth analysis covers three essential dimensions. Financial analysis: Study balance sheets, income statements and cash flows over the last 3 to 5 years. Identify trends, real profitability and financial health.

Operational analysis: Understand processes, client base (concentration, loyalty), supplier relationships, team quality and its level of autonomy.

Strategic analysis: Assess competitive positioning, growth potential, sector risks. Do not hesitate to call on experts (fiduciaries, consultants) to secure this crucial step in the acquisition process.

Key documents to examine

Request access to these essential documents to acquire a business with full knowledge:

• Certified annual accounts (last 3-5 financial years)

• Major client and supplier contracts

• Employment contracts and salary conditions

• Commercial leases and rental conditions

• List of fixed assets (equipment, vehicles, IT)

• Intellectual property (trademarks, patents, licences)

This checklist allows you to structure your analysis and quickly identify risk areas.

Step 5: Value and negotiate the price (duration: 1-2 months)

The valuation of an SME in Switzerland is based on several recognised methods: Swiss practitioners' method, DCF (discounted cash flows), EBITDA multiples. Consult our detailed guide on business valuation in Switzerland to master these approaches.

Prepare a structured offer: base price, payment terms (cash, staggered), suspensive conditions (financing, due diligence). Negotiation must remain constructive: the objective is a balanced agreement, not a short-term victory.

Keep in mind that price is only one element among others: transition conditions, seller support, guarantees are just as important.

Structure the purchase offer

A solid purchase offer includes several key components:

• Base price: Main acquisition amount

• Possible earn-out: Additional price linked to future performance

• Financing terms: Distribution equity / credit / vendor loan

• Timeline: Key dates of the acquisition process

• Suspensive conditions: Satisfactory due diligence, obtaining financing

The balance between attractiveness for the seller and protection for the buyer determines the quality of your offer. Be precise and transparent in your proposals.

Step 6: Carry out thorough due diligence (duration: 1-3 months)

Due diligence is the complete audit of the business before finalisation. It covers five areas: financial, legal, tax, operational and social. This step protects the buyer against unpleasant surprises and allows the price or conditions to be adjusted if necessary.

Call on qualified experts: fiduciaries for financial and tax aspects, lawyers for legal matters, sector consultants for operational aspects. The Leez partner network can direct you to professionals experienced in business transfers.

Investing in rigorous due diligence is insurance to secure your acquisition and avoid costly pitfalls.

Key areas of due diligence

Each area of due diligence answers specific questions:

• Financial: Verification of figures, asset quality, hidden debts

• Legal: Validity of contracts, ongoing or potential disputes, regulatory compliance

• Tax: Tax compliance, possible optimisations, risk of reassessment

• Operational: Process efficiency, equipment condition, IT systems

• Social: Team stability, employment contracts, social climate

Each area can reveal risks significantly impacting the value of the business.

Step 7: Finalise financing (duration: 1-2 months)

Financing an acquisition in Switzerland generally combines several sources. Equity: Personal contribution, ideally 20-40% of the price. Bank credit: Main financing, requires a solid file. Vendor loan: Loan granted by the seller, signal of confidence appreciated by banks.

Prepare a complete banking file: business plan, financial projections, CV, available guarantees. Anticipate this process in parallel with due diligence so as not to delay finalisation.

Negotiate conditions with several institutions to obtain the best rates and repayment conditions.

Step 8: Sign and organise the transition (duration: 1-3 months)

The signing of the transfer contract generally takes place at the notary's office. Essential legal documents include the deed of sale, seller's guarantees, payment terms and conditions of the transition period.

Meticulously organise the transition period with the seller. This phase is critical to ensure operational continuity: knowledge transfer, introduction to key stakeholders (clients, suppliers, team), transfer of access and responsibilities.

The typical transition duration varies from 1 to 6 months depending on the complexity of the business and the level of involvement required from the seller.

Plan the transition period

A successful transition is based on several key elements:

• Communication: Structured announcement to employees, clients and suppliers

• Support: Presence of the seller to facilitate handover (2-6 months)

• Knowledge transfer: Processes, contacts, decision-making history

• Access and systems: Bank accounts, IT tools, suppliers

• Operational continuity: Maintaining quality of service during transition

Establish a detailed calendar with clear milestones for this crucial phase of the business acquisition steps.

Overall timeline and practical advice

The complete business acquisition process generally extends over 12 to 24 months. Acceleration factors: well-prepared file, pre-validated financing, clear target. Slowing factors: complex due diligence, difficult negotiations, sophisticated financial structures.

Advice to optimise your journey: Get support at key moments (valuation, due diligence, legal). Remain patient but proactive. Maintain transparent communication with all parties. Never neglect the human aspect: the relationship with the seller often conditions success.

Leez offers you the infrastructure to efficiently launch your search and access qualified opportunities. Start your acquisition project today.

Acquiring a business in Switzerland requires rigour, patience and method. The 8 steps presented in this guide structure a process that generally extends over 12 to 18 months. From the precise definition of your project to the transition period with the seller, each phase plays a determining role in the success of your acquisition.

The key lies in meticulous preparation: define your search criteria, analyse opportunities objectively, negotiate on factual bases, and carry out thorough due diligence. Financing and transition planning deserve particular attention to ensure operational continuity.

If you are ready to take the plunge, explore businesses to acquire on Leez. Our platform gives you access to hundreds of verified opportunities in Switzerland, with advanced search tools and a network of experts to support you. Create your buyer profile and start your search today.