K+K Swiss ensures business succession personally and independently.

In less than 10 years, K+K Swiss has built an entrepreneurial network of successful companies and brands centered on sustainable mobility.
 

Within this, hidden champion KUKKO is the group’s top performer. Smaller but equally niche-focused, the brands Wilbär and Tirax contribute to the portfolio.

Building on the expertise and solidity of its established business fields, K+K Swiss is expanding its investment activities. The focus of this new business area is providing private capital to ensure the continuation of small and medium-sized family businesses.
 

Background

According to KfW, in Germany alone up to 200,000 mid-sized companies will be due for transfer over the next two years, with no succession solution even remotely in sight. Across the DACH region, the number is estimated to affect several hundred thousand. In times of economic decline, the succession crisis poses a particularly serious challenge for affected companies.


On average, an orderly succession process takes at least a year. In times of recession and impending corporate insolvency, this timeline is not an option. At the same time, many mid-sized companies are wary of traditional M&A banks and renowned advisors for corporate acquisitions. As a result, corporate value and life’s work are put at risk and often even destroyed.

Left: company founder Alfred Kleinbongartz; right: Max Alfred Kleinbongartz, 5th generation

The uniqueness of a family-run investment firm.


K+K Swiss emerged from a family history that has created new things from tradition. Thanks to the entrepreneurial DNA of a long-standing manufacturing business, the leadership of the Swiss corporate group understands the pressing succession issues of SMEs. It is about preserving economic value and planning the continuation of the company independently.

Thanks to a lean structure and 100% autonomy of the Kleinbongartz family, K+K Swiss offers fast and short-term acquisition financing with up to 1 million in purchase price capital. As an investor, K+K Swiss not only provides financing but also valuable know-how—especially in the metalworking industry—as well as an international network to maximize the SME’s growth potential.

From left to right: Adrian Mitas, Michael Kleinbongartz, Lada Rymarev

Holistic support in the sales process.


In addition, the Swiss team supports the following services to successfully complete the transaction within a few months:
 

  • Business valuation and analysis
  • Organization of the acquisition process
  • Due diligence
  • Entrepreneurial guidance on tax and legal matters in the sales process

Your point of contact to discuss your individual needs regarding business succession:

Caroline Blome, Director of Communication and Relations

Step

uploaded successfully Recycle bin

Portrait of Michael Kleinbongartz in front of a wall with decals
Owner Michael Kleinbongartz, K+K Swiss and fourth-generation entrepreneur.

The privately financed succession models offer different options.
 

Equity participation: In addition to a complete transfer to K+K Swiss, a gradual succession arrangement can also secure the company’s continuity. In this model, the previous owner remains as a co-shareholder or adviser within the operational leadership team, while K+K Swiss gradually takes on more responsibility. This steady handover ensures the transfer of know-how while minimizing risk for both sides.

Earn-out model: Here, K+K Swiss invests a portion of the purchase price, i.e., the seller receives a defined amount while further payments are tied to the company’s future performance. A win-win: K+K Swiss reduces its financial risk while the seller continues to benefit from future growth.

"Which of the models is right for you depends on your financial, strategic, and personal situation; however, do not underestimate the importance of early, strategically planned succession." Michael Kleinbongartz.