What is the SME succession planning checklist for Switzerland?

Successful succession requires 3-5 years of preparation. This 20-point checklist covers the financial, legal, operational, and personal dimensions of transferring a Swiss SME to the next generation or an external buyer. ### The Checklist #### Phase 1: Assessment (Year 1) - [ ] 1. Get a professional valuation — understand your statutory floor (Praktikermethode) and market value (multiples) - [ ] 2. Review your marriage contract — Gütertrennung protects the business in divorce scenarios - [ ] 3. Assess succession options — family (Familiennachfolge), management (MBO), or external sale - [ ] 4. Evaluate tax structure — is GmbH → AG conversion needed? Holding company beneficial? - [ ] 5. Check pension situation — BVG obligations, owner's pillar 2 and 3a/3b optimization #### Phase 2: Preparation (Year 2) - [ ] 6. Begin EBITDA normalization — shift from tax minimization to value maximization - [ ] 7. Build management depth — reduce key-person dependency, hire/promote second-line leaders - [ ] 8. Document processes — ISO certification, operating manuals, IT documentation - [ ] 9. Diversify customer base — no single client > 15% of revenue - [ ] 10. Resolve legal issues — settle litigation, update contracts, secure IP protection #### Phase 3: Optimization (Year 3) - [ ] 11. Separate real estate — transfer property to holding if advantageous - [ ] 12. Clean the balance sheet — resolve dormant assets, settle contingent liabilities - [ ] 13. Convert revenue to recurring — long-term contracts, maintenance agreements, subscriptions - [ ] 14. Prepare financial documentation — 5 years of clean, audited statements - [ ] 15. Obtain tax ruling — confirm share deal structure, IPL-free treatment #### Phase 4: Execution (Years 4-5) - [ ] 16. Commission Vendor Due Diligence — proactive DD report for buyers - [ ] 17. Prepare Information Memorandum — professional sale document - [ ] 18. Identify and pre-qualify buyers — build a list of 20-50 potential acquirers - [ ] 19. Engage M&A advisor — structured process with competitive tension - [ ] 20. Plan post-sale life — board role, transition period, personal wealth management