University of St. Gallen (HSG)

About

The University of St. Gallen (HSG) in Switzerland is one of the leading business universities in the German-speaking world, with a strong focus on entrepreneurship and SME management. HSG's MBA and Master programs include coursework on family business succession, private equity, and acquisition strategies directly relevant to the search fund model. The school's Center for Entrepreneurship supports students exploring ETA through research, mentoring, and networking with investors and advisors in the DACH region. Switzerland's stable business environment, strong legal framework, and high density of well-managed SMEs make it an attractive market for search fund activity. HSG's alumni network spans Switzerland, Germany, Austria, and Liechtenstein, providing valuable connections for deal sourcing. Several HSG alumni have pursued search funds and SME acquisitions in the German-speaking market, using the school's strong reputation among business owners.