Shift & Change 2025: The SME Sector as a Driver of Change

On July 17, 2025, a high-profile group of entrepreneurs, experts, and decision-makers gathered at the premises of Stadtsparkasse Düsseldorf for the event “Shift & Change 2025 – The SME Sector in Motion.” Initiated by the German Association for Mergers & Acquisitions (BMA) in cooperation with Stadtsparkasse Düsseldorf, the full-day forum focused on the strategic challenges and opportunities facing mid-sized companies—with a particular emphasis on transformation, succession planning, and financing.

In their opening remarks, Henrietta Six (Stadtsparkasse Düsseldorf), Johanna Antonie Tjaden-Schulte (NRW.Bank), and BMA Chairman Jan Pörschmann emphasized the need to view succession processes not as an endpoint, but as the starting point for entrepreneurial renewal. “Succession is not an act of withdrawal, but an opportunity for realignment,” said Pörschmann. “Those who approach this transition strategically give their company a future.”

The keynote address was delivered by Dr. Andrej Heinke (Bosch Corporate Research), who, under the guiding theme “Resilience in Times of Change,” outlined how mid-sized companies must act not only robustly but also with foresight in times of multiple crises—technologically, structurally, and culturally.

In the subsequent panel, Dr. Heinke, Norbert Prenzel (Stadtsparkasse Düsseldorf), and Jan Pörschmann discussed the key levers for future-proof financing in the SME sector. Pörschmann emphasized: “We need a new financing culture—one that rewards entrepreneurial courage and allows for strategic depth.”

Josef Brunner (NutriUnited) added the entrepreneur’s perspective to the discussion, advocating in his keynote for a mindset of active shaping—even in times of greatest uncertainty.

The second panel, titled “Next Gen, Succession & Transformation,” focused on generational change and the associated potential for cultural realignment. Florian Merkle (Osborne Clarke), Daniel Gaertner (Novastone), Patrick Peters (KKL Klimatechnik-Vertriebs GmbH & FM Service GmbH), Jan Wetter (Proventis Partners), and once again Josef Brunner highlighted—from different perspectives—the importance of responsibility, trust, and a willingness to engage in dialogue during the transition process.

A third discussion block focused on the financing perspective. Moderated by Ralf-Georg Mittler (BMA), Dr. Stefan Gros (MPREIS), Henning Eschweiler (Blue Cap AG), Claudia Köppe (NRW.Bank), and Klaus Haussmann (Grant Thornton) discussed hybrid financing models, non-bank alternatives, and the evolving balance between equity and debt. The panelists agreed that in an environment shaped by geopolitical tensions and regulatory pressure, strategic financing solutions are becoming increasingly important.

A compelling conclusion was delivered by negotiation expert Dr. Hermann Rock. In his keynote, he presented three strategies adapted from the FBI context, offering not only theoretical insights but also immediately applicable techniques for successful negotiations.

“The SME sector is ready to actively embrace its role as a driver of change,” concluded Jan Pörschmann at the end of the event. “Shift & Change has shown how much strength lies in dialogue and changing perspectives—and that entrepreneurial transformation begins with mindset.”

Following the event, Pörschmann was asked what impulses could be derived from the forum for the work of the BMA. He explained: “We need to create even more platforms for dialogue and actively foster exchange—because we can learn so much from one another. M&A is a highly multidisciplinary field: large companies can learn from smaller ones, just as different disciplines can benefit from each other. Digitalization will drive further changes—including in M&A processes: how they function and where they can be applied effectively. This is something we must and can learn together. As an association, it is our responsibility to provide the right formats for this dialogue.”