Insights & Perspectives

In recent months, many small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) have faced existential crises due to challenging economic conditions, the unique structural situation in Germany, and the lasting effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. The situation has been further exacerbated by sharply rising capital costs, increased risk aversion among financiers, and repayment obligations from the pandemic period. According to enomyc author Dr. Stefan Frings, these multiple crises present the perfect opportunity for decisive and consistent action. Often, it takes significant pressure before stakeholders are willing to confront harsh realities and, with careful consideration, bring an end to long-standing but unsustainable practices.

The obsession with a long and healthy life is fueling boom after boom in the healthcare industry. Vitamins, supplements, and nootropics. Dietary foods for muscle building and weight loss. Herbal medicines for prevention and recovery—all available over-the-counter (OTC) in pharmacies and drugstores. While some pharmaceutical manufacturers are thriving in this market, others struggle to remain relevant. Where do they fall short? "I've never seen an OTC company in crisis due to a lack of pharmaceutical or product expertise," says marketing and sales expert Peter Klein. "What most lack is digital know-how and digital marketing expertise." Klein holds a degree in business administration with a focus on marketing and sales. He studied in Cologne and Trier and has held executive positions in consumer goods and pharmaceutical companies. Today, he advises OTC producers as a consultant and interim manager. What makes OTC products truly relevant? Why should pharmaceutical manufacturers view themselves as customer-centric companies? And how is "Insta Health" transforming the OTC industry? Fresh insights and actionable recommendations—read the full interview below.

The real estate sector is currently experiencing one of the most severe crises in its history. The number of building permits has dropped by a quarter, and transaction volumes have plummeted by more than 70 percent. Few expect a genuine recovery in the short term. What can companies do now to escape the downward spiral of the industry? Christian Kuhs, founder and Business Development at Nordantech, discussed this with enomyc founder and Managing Partner Uwe Köstens, and enomyc partner and real estate expert Matias Otto, in the #SHIFTHAPPENS Podcast by Nordantech. Here are some key excerpts from the conversation.

What effect does the family factor have on change processes in family businesses? Our partner Dr. Tim Bauer researched this topic years ago. In 2012, he completed his PhD on "Innovation Processes in Family Businesses." Prior to that, he worked at the Chair for Family Businesses, advised young founders, and studied renowned family businesses from the German Mittelstand. That he now advises family businesses in transformation processes is partly because he himself comes from a family business and managed the company for a decade with his brother. How can family businesses respond to the current pressure to transform? What are their pain points? And what is essential in consulting for family businesses? Here are insights from his entrepreneurial and consulting practice.

Relocation, reshoring, offshoring, and rebuilding: The geographical shifts of internationally producing companies resemble a busy puzzle. While BASF closes facilities at its German headquarters and invests $10 billion in constructing a mega factory off the coast of southern China, Tesla explores alternatives to production sites in China and Taiwan. Meanwhile, Stellantis plans to scale down its electric vehicle production in China, and Neura Robotics is returning to its German headquarters from China this year. The reasons for these production relocations vary by industry, from high factor costs and geopolitical risks to tariff avoidance. Moving away from Germany, where are manufacturing companies heading? Will factory relocations increase? And what are the dos and don’ts in the relocation process itself? An expert discussion with Christian Zeller and Thorsten Holl.

While crises used to be exceptions, they have become a constant state due to the pandemic and wars. The business world is not exempt, with many companies currently facing turmoil. Martin Hammer, founder and managing partner of enomyc, has witnessed over a thousand companies in crisis and has successfully led many out of trouble. Here, he discusses the causes, symptoms, and the Tarragona Strategy, a proven concept in both medicine and business.

The StaRUG x Leoni AG case is making history in corporate restructuring. Specifically, it represents a paradigm shift. According to the summary of the restructuring plan, the expected return for the shareholders affected by the plan in the next best alternative scenario was 0%. This has never happened before. How has this case affected restructuring practices since then? Who are the winners and losers? And what opportunities or risks does StaRUG hold for LLCs? Ralf Ehret, Partner and Head of Debt Advisory, provides insights.

Marie Kondo has become a globally celebrated icon of organization with her decluttering tips, and her books have been translated into 27 languages. However, decluttering is not just beneficial at home; it can also be highly advantageous for businesses. SMEs can leverage regular assortment optimizations to significantly enhance their market position. Although his name hasn't become a verb like Kondo’s, enomyc author Jan Ulrik Holsten is an expert in corporate decluttering. In this article, he shares some of his insights.

„Der Mensch hat drei Wege, klug zu handeln,” lehrte einst Konfuzius. “Erstens durch Nachdenken: Das ist der edelste. Zweitens durch Nachahmen: Das ist der leichteste. Drittens durch Erfahrung: Das ist der bitterste.“ Macht es sich China leicht? Und wird es für Deutschland bitter? Wie Wirtschaftspolitik und Mittelstand auf Chinas Wirtschaftskurs reagieren könnten: Darüber spricht Christian Zeller, Partner bei enomyc, im aktuellen Interview.