Austria confronts looming business succession crisis

A Creditreform analysis finds that nearly half of Austria's medium‑size enterprises will need a succession solution by 2030, affecting about 51,000 employers and roughly 700,000 jobs. The need spans industry, construction, trade and services, with Upper Austria and Salzburg showing the highest concentration.

Around 40 % of firms expect an external succession—sale to investors, management or employee buyouts—while internal family transfers are declining but still succeed in 80 % of cases when they occur. The study also notes that 34 % of surveyed owners might consider taking over another business.

The Freedom Party (FW) urges the federal government to make business succession a strategic priority, calling for a nationwide information campaign, tax incentives, reduced bureaucracy and stronger networking between outgoing owners and potential successors, warning that inaction could lead to closures or foreign sales.