From the outset, Hitz & Partner gave me the confidence that we would find the best possible solution together.
They understood both the tradition and the unique characteristics of Via Claudia Camping and supported us throughout the entire project with their professional expertise and mental support.
Succession planning is arguably the biggest challenge facing any company. Felicitas Weeber is the managing director of the Via Claudia campsite in Lechbruck. In June 2025, the operational management of the campsite was handed over to First Camp, Scandinavia's largest campsite operator. Felicitas Weeber will continue to serve as managing director of the campsite during a transition phase and talks about how the succession planning process unfolded from her perspective.
Felicitas Weeber, how long has the Via Claudia campsite been in existence and how long have you been managing director of the Via Claudia campsite?
Felicitas Weeber: The campsite has a long history. Siegfried von Hohenhau established the campsite over 50 years ago. After the site had been leased for a long time, I took over as managing director of the campsite for the new operating company in 2008. Thanks to the dedicated work of my fantastic team, Via Claudia Camping has developed into a successful and highly regarded 5-star eco-campsite in Germany over the past 17 years.
How did you deal with the issue of succession planning?
Felicitas Weeber: There was no obvious succession solution within the family, so we looked outside the family circle for a suitable partner. However, this process was not actively initiated for a long time. Of course, the topic of succession was raised time and again, but there was no opportunity to deal with it in depth in the busy day-to-day business. This was particularly true as the business had been in a successful growth phase in recent years and I was running it with full energy and enthusiasm.
Were you also in talks with other potential partners?
Felicitas Weeber: In recent years, we have repeatedly received inquiries from interested market participants. Although selling the operating business was not an option at that time, I increasingly considered what an optimal succession solution might look like for both the owners of the land and the operating company. For me, the well-being of our employees and guests was always the top priority. It was therefore a decisive criterion that all employees be retained in the event of a possible succession, because without them, the campsite would not be as successful as it is today!
Which succession solution did you decide on and what were your reasons for doing so?
Felicitas Weeber: In order to ensure the long-term positive development of the campsite, we, the owner family, together with the operators, decided to lease the operational management of Via Claudia Camping to an experienced company on a long-term basis. After carefully reviewing numerous interested parties, we jointly decided on the company “First Camp.” It was particularly important for us to find a reliable, forward-looking partner who shares our values and ideas, takes over our proven team, and continues to run the business in line with our vision. My team and I visited several First Camp sites in Denmark and Sweden – we were impressed by the high quality, the strong team spirit on site, and the forward-looking planning. All of this is exactly in line with our ideas for the further development of Via Claudia Camping.
Why did you decide to tackle the succession planning together with Hitz & Partner?
Felicitas Weeber: It was clear to us that we did not want to take this important step alone. In the long term, we wanted to hand over ownership to the best possible hands, to a reliable tenant. Hitz & Partner impressed us with their excellent network in the tourism industry and their extensive experience in international corporate transactions.
They showed us how crucial a structured, forward-looking process is. Succession planning should not be forced by external circumstances, but should be designed proactively, consciously, and carefully, taking into account personal goals, the interests of the various stakeholders, and cultural values. Given the intense demands of day-to-day business, the decision to mandate Hitz & Partner was an essential step for us toward a professional and successful handover.
What did the collaboration look like in concrete terms during this process?
Felicitas Weeber: First, we worked out a schedule together and defined the exact procedure. Hitz & Partner then compiled comprehensive company documentation and prepared all the necessary documents for the process with our team. Potential interested parties were identified and approached through their extensive network, including parties who had already expressed interest. The resulting discussions were carefully analyzed to find the best possible solution for the campsite, our employees, the operators, and the landowners. After selecting a suitable partner, Hitz & Partner provided us with dedicated support throughout the demanding due diligence process and led the negotiations together with the legal advisors.
Looking back, what advantages did the professional support of an M&A advisor have for you?
Felicitas Weeber: A future-oriented succession plan is an intensive and time-consuming process. There are numerous discussions, negotiations, and uncertainties. In addition, numerous decisions have to be made without neglecting normal day-to-day business. For me, it was very valuable to have a trustworthy partner at my side during this process who could take care of the technical aspects. From the very beginning, Hitz & Partner gave me the confidence that we would find the best possible solution for all parties. They understood both the tradition and the special features of the Via Claudia campsite and supported us throughout the project with professional expertise and moral support.
What does the future hold?
Felicitas Weeber: First Camp would like me to remain as managing director for a transitional period to ensure a smooth transition. I am happy to take on this task—I continue to enjoy working with my first-class team and am delighted that my expertise continues to be valued. I also greatly appreciate the personal contact with the employees and our loyal guests.
The owners of the land will continue to be closely associated with the Via Claudia campsite in the long term and look forward to a long-term, successful partnership with First Camp.