Family business Clage: take over sons and rely on the future!

Family business Clage: take over sons and rely on the future!

In the dynamic world of corporate takeovers, a remarkable change at the top of Clord GmbH in Lüneburg recently took place. On July 1, 2025, Jörg and Joachim Gerdes officially handed over the management of the company, known for its energy -efficient hot water appliances, to their sons Alexander and Jonas Gerdes. This step was ceremoniously celebrated at the summer festival on July 11, 2025, combined with a symbolic act that impressively staged the handover. Jörg and Joachim Gerdes remain connected to the company as partners and are advisable to the new managing directors, which ensures a smooth transition.

Alexander Gerdes, who has headed international sales since 2019, brings his well -founded training as an industrial engineer and international experience. Jonas Gerdes, who has been running the Human Resources area since 2016, has successfully completed a dual business studies. In their first statements, both emphasize the further development of decentralized hot water supply, an essential principle in modern building concepts that are becoming more and more important.

family -internal handover require planning

A takeover within the family can be a double -edged sword. According to lexis lawyers , from 2022 to 2026, around 190,000 family businesses in Germany are facing the challenge of succession. Many entrepreneurs are often confronted with emotional tensions, uncertainties and tax issues. Therefore, early and structured succession planning is crucial to secure the continued existence of the company.

valuable tips for successor planning

In order to secure a successful takeover, some important steps should be observed:

• Early planning and clear communication within the family.
• use external support from consultants or mentors.
• training and further training of the potential successors.
• Creation of a detailed successor plan to minimize conflicts.

Another important aspect is the creation of a written document for succession planning in order to create clarity and to define responsibilities. In this way, companies can preserve their values and at the same time build a stable future.

The transfer of Clag to the next generation is perceived not only as an entrepreneurial but also as an emotional progress. With its foresight in planning and strategic design of this handover, the Gerdes family has proven a good hand, which can serve as a model for many companies. The challenges are great, but with the right strategy, every family takeover can become a successful tradition.