6,000 successful business transfers
The Reempresa programme has facilitated more than 6,000 successful business transfers across Catalonia since its launch in 2011. The milestone was announced on Tuesday during a ceremony at the Palau de la Generalitat to mark the initiative’s 15th anniversary.
17,000 jobs preserved
According to figures presented at the event, Reempresa has helped preserve 17,014 jobs and generated over €339 million in induced investment. The programme supports small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) facing closure due to lack of succession, typically as owners approach retirement.
Each transfer represents the continuity of experience, knowledge and business history.
Miquel Sàmper, Minister for Business and Labour, said: "Each transfer represents the continuity of experience, knowledge and business history."
Retirement drives business handovers
Retirement is now the leading reason for business transfers, accounting for 45% of cases. Data shows 36% of outgoing business owners are over 60, while successor entrepreneurs are typically aged between 30 and 50. Reempresa has managed 13,053 businesses seeking transfer and supported 23,614 re-entrepreneurship projects, where individuals take over existing businesses rather than start new ones.
Public-private collaboration
The programme was launched through a partnership between Cecot, Catalonia’s employers' federation, and the Fundació Autoocupació. It offers free advisory services throughout the business sale process and has evolved into a broad public-private network. President of the Generalitat Salvador Illa credited the success to persistence and patience, stating: "We live in a world of extreme acceleration, but good outcomes take time." He highlighted Reempresa as a model of optimism amid complex global conditions. More information about the programme is available at reempresa.org.
Primary sources: govern.cat. Reported by viaempresa.cat, canalterrassa.cat, Europa Press, elperiodico.com, diarideterrassa.com, reempresa.org, Redacción VIA Empresa.
