Kommentar: Finanzinvestoren sind weder Heilsbringer noch Totengräber

The sale of Viessmann's heating and heat pump business to US firm Carrier in 2023 has prompted many family businesses to reconsider whether they should take on external owners or investors. The owners of these companies are now looking at the possibility of accepting outside capital without hesitation. The reasons behind this increased consideration are multifaceted.

Uncertainty for the companies has become significantly higher. Geopolitical conflicts and trade barriers threaten not only supply chains, but entire business models. These disruptions, exacerbated by digitalization and AI, require more money and larger steps to steer companies into the future compared to previous times. Consequently, the question arises whether these major tasks for the next generation should be undertaken can or should be undertaken.

This simultaneous presence of challenges seems to be increasingly common among family businesses. Furthermore, the past three state elections and the ongoing difficulty in implementing reforms and reducing bureaucracy in Germany may also contribute to the perception that entrepreneurship for any generation does not promise a good future.