Successful Business Succession: A Secure Future Through Thorough Preparation
© reha & sport GmbHFrom a Vision to Responsibility
Taking over a company means far more than just signing contracts. It means assuming responsibility for employees, customers, and an established corporate culture—while simultaneously setting the course for the future. This was precisely the challenge Thorsten Gronemeyer faced. Although the succession at reha & sport GmbH had been planned well in advance, financing had to be secured and a viable business plan developed within just a few months. A demanding undertaking—especially under intense time pressure.
Thorsten Gronemeyer has known the medical supply industry for many decades. Early in his career, he took on responsibility as an authorized signatory in the rehabilitation technology division at Nikolai Sanitätshäuser. After the company filed for bankruptcy in 2002, he founded his own medical supply store together with a former partner. Even though this venture was ultimately discontinued due to the company’s size and economic challenges, he always retained the desire to be an entrepreneur, to help people with innovative assistive devices, and to bring about change and make a difference through his own decisions.
Gronemeyer had been in business contact with Detlef Zinke since the founding of reha & sport GmbH. About eight years ago, he finally began working at reha & sport GmbH, initially on a part-time basis. At the same time, he continued to work as a freelancer and was already supporting the company in the areas of sales, contract management, and customer service. Through close collaboration with founder Detlef Zinke and, later, his wife Dr. Lüder-Zinke, a trusting working relationship developed over the years. It became clear early on that Thorsten Gronemeyer could one day take over the company.
By the time the succession plan took shape, Gronemeyer already knew the company very well—the ideal conditions for continuing the company’s success story.
A Company with a Special Mission
© reha & sport GmbHreha & sport GmbH is not a traditional medical supply store, but rather focuses on the areas of sports and mobility. For many years, the company has been helping people participate actively in life despite physical limitations, including through custom-fitted sports wheelchairs, hand bikes, electric wheelchairs, and other specialized mobility solutions.
The company’s founder, Detlef Zinke—a wheelchair user himself—laid the foundation for this unique corporate philosophy. Today, reha & sport GmbH consists of eleven employees with office and showroom space on the Maschsee. The team offers personalized on-site consultations to help customers find the right solution for greater mobility and quality of life. Through this approach, the company serves people throughout northern Germany.
Support at the Right Time
The connection with Fabian Killer, a management consultant at the Hannover Region Economic Development Agency, had already existed for many years. As early as 2015, Thorsten Gronemeyer had sought support with financing and liquidity issues as part of his business activities at the time. When the business succession plan for reha & sport GmbH became concrete, it was therefore clear to him whom he would turn to.
In early October 2025, he contacted Killer again. The goal was ambitious: The financing had to be arranged within a few weeks so that the company takeover could take place at the desired time. Together, they developed the Business Model Canvas, created a viable business plan including comprehensive financial projections, and professionally prepared the documentation for financing.
The personalized support was particularly valuable to Thorsten Gronemeyer throughout this process. From organizing large volumes of data to ensuring compliance with formal requirements and deadlines, all the way to preparing for meetings with the bank, the economic development agency stood by his side as a reliable partner. The strong relationships with the financing partners and the support provided throughout the entire process also gave him additional confidence.
As a result, the financing—including a KfW working capital loan combined with his own funds—was secured through his primary bank. The business takeover was successfully completed on March 1, 2026.
Business Succession Is a Team Effort
Business succession, in particular, is among the most complex decisions an entrepreneur faces. In addition to financing, business planning, discussions with banks, and numerous formal requirements must be managed.
This is where the RFolg – Regional Business Succession network comes in. Together with valuable partners—ranging from banks to chambers of commerce—the Economic Development Agency of the Hannover Region supports companies every step of the way—from initial guidance to a successful handover.
Moving into the future with fresh ideas
© PRO ACTIVFor Thorsten Gronemeyer, the takeover was not the end of a process, but the beginning of a new phase of development. Together with his team, he aims to strategically develop reha & sport GmbH in the coming years. Plans include the introduction of a modern ERP system, the digitization of internal processes, new service offerings such as a shipment-tracking app, the expansion of sales through increased participation in trade shows and exhibitions, and the strengthening of relationships with doctors and clinics. In addition, a new sales employee has already been hired in recent months. Lighter electric wheelchairs and new technologies such as robotics are also set to take center stage in the future.
The most important goal remains unchanged: helping people achieve greater mobility and, as a result, a better quality of life.
Successfully Planning Business Succession
Business succession raises many questions—from financing to strategic planning. The Hannover Region Economic Development Agency, in collaboration with the RFolg business succession network, supports entrepreneurs in shaping this process early on and successfully. From developing a viable business model to creating business and financing plans, all the way to assisting with bank meetings, companies receive individualized support to ensure a secure future.
Contact
Fabian Killer
Hannover Region
Economic Development
Department of Economic and Employment Development
