Helping the transfer of businesses [antikvár]

Erkki Liikanen Member of the European Commission responsible for enterprise and the information society Approximately one third of European enterprises will need to be transferred to the riext generation in the coming 10 years. This means that an average of 610 000 small and medium-sized enterprises will be changing hands each year, potentially affecting 2.4 millión jobs. These are the estimates of the Enterprise DG's expert group on the transfer of businesses made in summer 2002 (]). After a business's creation and growth, transfer is the third crucial phase in its life cycle. It involves many complex issues such as inheritance legislation and company law. However, the transfer of businesses is not only about these technical issues linked with the transfer of ownership. It is alsó about transferring the leadership of the company. It is a long process that needs sound preparation, well in advance. Unfortunately, too many business transfers fail, taking jobs, assets and opportunities with them. To help the transfer of businesses means having the right regulatory framework and at the same time having the appropriate support structures and services. The European Commission dealt with both these areas in its recommendation on the transfer of small and medium-sized enterprises (2). It invited the Member States to improve their legal and fiscal environment for business transfers, raise awareness and to provide support for business transfers. Somé progress has already been made in implementing the recommendation, but there is still work to be done. Much attention has been given to encouraging the creation of new businesses. This is very important, but it is just as important to ensure the continuation and growth of existing viable enterprises. Young people should alsó be encouraged