In conversation with Jürg Haltmeier, former owner of Berg + Tal Ag, Alpine School

verhanBerg
+ Tal offers personally and professionally guided mountain tours and trips. These include courses and tours at home and abroad at various altitudes and with different levels of difficulty. Alpine tours, climbing tours, treks, expeditions and ski tours are organized so comfortably that participants can concentrate on their unique mountain experience without any worries - in Switzerland and worldwide.

How long were you the driving force behind the Businesses?
I founded Berg + Tal AG in the fall of 1992, and in 2012 I also took over Höhenfieber AG and was the driving force until September 30, 2025.
How did you approach your succession planning?
From 2016, I prepared myself textbook
and attended two seminars before embarking on the unknown rock face. And until my last day at work, I went into the company every day and worked with my team as if there was no end. Everything is and remains important, including making the necessary investments. I have developed the Businesses to a level where a successor can continue to run it seamlessly and profitably. Nobody buys a Businesses that is on the ropes.
What were the next steps to implement the planned succession?
From 2017, I developed strategies for the financial outlook, growth, HR policy and the company's image and discussed them with my trustee. At the same time, I invested a lot in our IT to take the Businesses forward. I wasn't an IT freak at the beginning, but I realized that you have to invest and also form teams in the succession process if you want to reach the top safely. I wanted the company to remain autonomous and secure its existence in the long term.
When did you communicate the decision within the Businesses and what were the reactions of your employees?
They asked me the question "Jürg, what are you going to do?" 10 years ago. In 2023, I told my team that I was starting the succession process. Even though they were happy that I was talking to them, some of them were worried about what would happen next. I always communicated to my employees that the Businesses would continue without any drastic changes. And nobody changed their minds, which made me very happy.
How intense were the emotions during the handover and how did you deal with them?
There comes a time when you have to let go. I worked towards it and talked a lot with my family. And with such a close-knit team, you never fall into a void. My emotions were also mostly positive, because I learned a lot during this succession process and I became more relaxed with every step I took. Even though there were ups and downs here and there, I didn't have any sleepless nights.
What was your most memorable experience during the sales phase?
A very positive one. I already had an offer that included a commission. I didn't want to take it. At the decisive moment, Severin Aliprandi from Gewerbe-Treuhand came into play. I knew Basti Klink, co-manager at the Sursee site, from a meeting in 2021 regarding my IT project. That's how we came across Severin Aliprandi.
In which areas was Gewerbe-Treuhand able to provide you with optimal support?
At 21, my son Julius was too young to take over the company and he also had other professional ambitions. With Richi Bolt from 3614 Holding AG, I had a buyer at the table who negotiated with me on an equal footing. In all our meetings with Richi Bolt, the process was stable, went smoothly and without any major question marks.
Nevertheless, I did not want to handle the sales process unaccompanied and the respect of the buyer's side for competent support confirmed my decision. Severin Aliprandi's support gave me a tailwind, also thanks to his realistic assessment of the sale price and his support with the due diligence. I also had a plan B, which gave me security for the negotiations.
How did you prepare for the time after the handover?
I'm lucky that I can continue working as a mountain guide. I still enjoy it and it has come full circle. My wife is retiring soon and we have common interests: Traveling, cooking, Italy, Greece. I'm an active person and will continue to be active and maintain my friendships better again. They are happy that I am approaching them again.
Contact: juerg.haltmeier@ikmail.com
https://www.bergundtal.ch/