Group 1 - The core issue facing small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Germany is the succession crisis, with many owners unable to find successors, leading to potential business closures [1][3] - SMEs account for over 50% of Germany's economic output and provide nearly 60% of jobs, making them a crucial engine for private investment [3][4] - A survey indicates that approximately 231,000 SME owners plan to close their businesses by the end of the year, an increase of 67,500 from the previous year [3] Group 2 - The aging population of SME owners is a significant factor, with over half being over 55 years old, compared to 20% a decade ago, and 39% of SME owners are over 60 [4] - The issue of succession not only threatens employment but also undermines Germany's overall economic position [4] - Government measures to address the succession problem, such as low-interest loans and a matchmaking website, have not been effective [5] Group 3 - Private equity acquisitions are seen as a potential solution but are mainly suitable for larger SMEs, leaving smaller businesses without systematic support [5] - Investment in Germany has been severely lacking over the past decade, partly due to the unresolved succession issues faced by many business owners [5]