TransfertoCOOPS.eu – new website for transferring SMEs into worker-owned cooperatives

Cooperatives Europe and CG Scop (Confederation of worker cooperatives in France) have released a new website www.TransfertoCOOPS.eu in the framework of the European project TransfertoCOOPS.

With over 450,000 SMEs transferred each year in the EU, transfers into worker-owned cooperatives remain an untapped source of economic dynamism which could ensure secure jobs, sustainable expertise and participation in collective and democratic projects. 

This new dedicated website aims to raise awareness of the benefits, processes and conditions for a successful business transfer of a healthy SME into a worker-owned cooperative. It serves as a unique starting point addressing all parties involved in a business transfer – business owners, employees and chartered accountants – who can find specific information and video testimonials regarding their individual experiences. Interested parties can then get in touch with Cooperatives Europe, which can direct them to the relevant points of contact in numerous EU countries for further support.

The new tool is part of the TransfertoCOOPS project co-financed by the European Commission and developed by 10 European partners led by CG Scop, aiming to foster a practical and pragmatic approach to improve the environment of transferring businesses into cooperatives and raise awareness of cooperatives’ benefits in Europe. The English language website replicates a version developed in France.

Patricia Lexcellent, Director of CG Scop – pilot of this project, said: “Sharing the French experience of transferring economically sound businesses into worker-owned cooperatives with other EU countries is an exciting project which will hopefully contribute to extend such practices across Europe.”

Agnes Mathis, Director of Cooperatives Europe, further commented: “Though cooperatives make up a large part of the EU economy, business transfers into cooperatives remain less so known, despite the clear benefits. TransfertoCOOPS will encourage potential transferors to choose the cooperative model as the viable option for their businesses and ensure sustainable employment.”

www.TransfertoCOOPS.eu 

Find the flyers of TransfertoCOOPS.eu below.