Where to find businesses for sale in Switzerland?
Introduction
Are you considering acquiring a business in Switzerland, but don't know where to start your search? You're not alone. With 75,000 SMEs to be transferred by 2030, opportunities are plentiful, but you still need to know where to find them.
The business transfer market in Switzerland remains fragmented. Unlike real estate where channels are well established, finding a business to acquire requires combining several sources and adopting a methodical approach. Some opportunities are visible on specialised platforms, others circulate only within closed professional networks.
This guide details the 5 main channels for identifying businesses for sale in Switzerland. We analyse the advantages and limitations of each source, from digital to traditional approaches, to help you structure your search effectively. Whether you're an entrepreneur in transition, an experienced executive or an investor, understanding these different channels is the first step towards a successful business acquisition.
📌 Summary (TL;DR)
To find a business to acquire in Switzerland, five main channels are available to you: digital platforms like Leez which centralise verified listings, the professional network and direct recommendations, transfer experts (fiduciaries and M&A advisers), listings in specialised press, and the direct approach to targeted businesses.
Each channel presents distinct advantages in terms of visibility, confidentiality, cost and access to opportunities. The most effective strategy consists of combining several sources to maximise your chances of finding the business that matches your acquisition criteria and objectives.
📚 Table of contents
- 1. Digital business transfer platforms
- 2. Professional network and recommendations
- 3. Transfer experts: fiduciaries and M&A advisers
- 4. Listings in economic and specialised press
- 5. Direct approach and targeted prospecting
- Comparative table of the 5 channels
- Combining several channels to maximise your chances
1. Digital business transfer platforms
Online platforms like Leez.ch represent today's most modern and efficient channel for finding a business to acquire in Switzerland. These digital marketplaces centralise hundreds of opportunities accessible 24/7.
The process is simple: sellers publish detailed listings, buyers use advanced search filters (sector, region, size, price) to identify relevant opportunities. Confidentiality levels protect the identity of businesses until first contact.
The advantages are multiple: broad visibility across the Swiss market, digitalised and smooth process, identity verification of parties, and pricing transparency. On Leez.ch, the buyer subscription costs 250 CHF/year to access complete contact details and contact sellers directly.
This approach eliminates costly intermediaries whilst maintaining a secure framework. Consult our guide on the 8 steps to a successful acquisition to structure your approach.
How to use a platform effectively
To maximise your chances, first define your precise criteria: targeted sector of activity, geographical region, price range, company size (turnover, number of employees).
Create automatic alerts to receive new listings matching your profile. Check the platform regularly, as the best opportunities are snapped up quickly.
Use advanced filters to refine your search and save time. The buyer subscription gives you access to complete contact details and confidential documents, an essential element for initiating serious discussions.
Prepare a solid professional profile: sellers also verify the credibility of potential buyers before engaging in in-depth exchanges.
2. Professional network and recommendations
Your personal and professional network constitutes an often underestimated but highly effective search channel. Many business transfers are concluded through discreet recommendations, even before any official publication.
Activate your business contacts, participate in events of professional associations in your sector, and connect with regional chambers of commerce. Mention your acquisition project professionally within your circles.
The hidden market represents a significant portion of opportunities: some owners are considering transfer without announcing it publicly, for confidentiality reasons or to discreetly test the market.
This approach works particularly well for extended family successions or transfers between players in the same sector. Pre-existing trust greatly facilitates negotiations and transition.
3. Transfer experts: fiduciaries and M&A advisers
Professional intermediaries, fiduciaries, specialised lawyers, M&A experts, play a key role in the transfer market. They often support sellers from the beginning of the process and have files in their portfolio before publication.
These experts know about business acquisition opportunities before they appear on public channels. Their network allows them to make targeted connections between qualified sellers and buyers.
Leez.ch offers a network of verified partners (fiduciaries, lawyers, advisers) available without obligation. These professionals can support you in valuation, due diligence, negotiation and legal aspects.
Unlike platforms, these experts offer personalised support throughout the process. They pre-qualify files and facilitate complex discussions, particularly useful for larger transfers.
Advantages and limitations of using experts
Advantages: privileged access to the hidden market, pre-qualified and documented files, expert support on technical aspects (valuation, taxation, legal), time saved in selection.
Limitations: sometimes high intermediation costs (fees or commissions), potentially longer process due to multiple validations, less direct control over initial exchanges.
The choice depends on your acquisition experience, the complexity of the file and your budget. For a first project or a significant acquisition, expert support provides valuable security.
4. Listings in economic and specialised press
Swiss economic newspapers such as Bilan, PME Magazine or Handelszeitung regularly publish sections dedicated to businesses for sale. This traditional channel remains in use, particularly for transfers of established SMEs.
These publications reach a qualified readership of entrepreneurs and investors. Some regional editions also offer local listings, useful for identifying opportunities in a specific geographical area.
However, this channel has significant limitations: often brief information (due to space constraints), lack of interactivity, high publication costs for sellers, and limited publication frequency (monthly or quarterly).
Digital platforms have largely superseded this channel in terms of efficiency and volume of opportunities. The press nevertheless remains a useful complement for occasional market monitoring.
5. Direct approach and targeted prospecting
The direct approach consists of identifying businesses matching your criteria, even if they are not officially for sale, and contacting them proactively. This approach works particularly well for specific sectors or regions.
Some owners have not initiated a sale process but remain open to discussion if an interesting opportunity arises. With 75,000 transfers expected by 2030, many business owners are questioning their succession.
This method requires time, preparation and considerable tact. You must demonstrate your seriousness, your financial capacity and your development project without being intrusive.
The direct approach suits experienced buyers with a clear vision of their target. It allows negotiation upstream, before the business enters the open market with potentially other buyers.
How to structure a direct approach
Start with thorough research on the targeted business: history, positioning, development potential. Identify the owner and their profile (age, years of activity, family situation if public).
Write a professional cover letter explaining your project, your skills and your vision for the business. Propose an exploratory meeting without commitment.
Absolutely respect confidentiality: do not disclose your approach publicly. Present a clear value proposition: how you ensure the sustainability and development of the business.
Be patient and never force the discussion. If the owner is not interested, thank them and leave the door open for the future.
Comparative table of the 5 channels
| Channel | Accessibility | Cost | Opportunities | Support |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Digital platforms | Very high | Low (250 CHF/year) | Numerous | Network available |
| Professional network | Medium | Free | Variable | Informal |
| M&A experts | Medium | High | Pre-qualified | Complete |
| Economic press | Low | Free (reading) | Limited | None |
| Direct approach | Low | Time invested | Targeted | None |
This table helps you choose the channels most suited to your profile, your budget and your search strategy.
Combining several channels to maximise your chances
The most effective strategy consists of combining several channels simultaneously. Start by registering on a platform like Leez.ch to benefit from continuous visibility on the market and receive new opportunities.
At the same time, activate your professional network by mentioning your acquisition project in your business circles. Occasionally consult the economic press to complement your monitoring.
For very specific targets, consider the direct approach after identifying strategic businesses. If your project is complex or you lack experience, contact an expert from the Leez.ch network.
With 75,000 businesses to be transferred by 2030 in Switzerland, the market offers numerous opportunities. A multi-channel approach significantly increases your chances of finding the business to acquire that matches your criteria and ambitions.
Finding a business to acquire in Switzerland requires a structured and methodical approach. Digital platforms like Leez offer rapid access to a wide range of qualified opportunities. The professional network provides access to non-public files. Transfer experts bring their expertise and contacts. The specialised press remains a complementary source, whilst the direct approach can reveal unsuspected opportunities.
The key to success lies in combining several channels. This multi-channel strategy significantly increases your chances of finding the business that matches your criteria and your entrepreneurial project.
Ready to start your search? Explore the businesses for sale available on Leez now. Create your buyer profile to access detailed information and get in touch with sellers. Our network of experts is also available to support you in your process.
