SURVEY: The €90B Belgian Succession Gap: Mapping the Opportunity for Searchers

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January 08, 2026

by a searcher from Universiteit Antwerpen Management School in Antwerp, Belgium

Belgium is currently facing a massive "Silver Tsunami." Research indicates that over 30% of Belgian SMEs lack a formal succession plan, creating a unique entry point for the ETA (Entrepreneurship through Acquisition) model in a relatively under-penetrated European market. As part of our Master MBA Project and 2026 Startup Launch, we are conducting a deep-dive analysis into operator readiness and structural barriers in the Belgian ETA ecosystem. We are gathering data from MBA graduates, individual searchers, and seasoned operators to map the "Searcher-to-SME" fit. We would likle to ask you to fill in a short survey to capture your valuable insights. Link to Survey###-###-#### mins): https://uamangementschool.eu.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_3l6t1IejlYHZ9yK Thank you for your support!
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Reply by an investor
from Karel De Grote Hogeschool in Belgium
Hi Rene. I can confirm these datapoints. We have conducted also a research in 2024 regarding this topic and we have been growing our portfolio of M&A in Belgium as well. I’m born and based in Belgium. If you want to exchange more valuable insights. You can always get in touch with me
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Reply by a searcher
in Liège, Belgique
Belgium has several structural problems, there are opportunities but i wouldn't be so optimistic. Data is one thing, people can tell otherwise
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