Vocabulary:

The term Nachfolger can be found in some company names and means 'successor(s)' and indicates a change of proprietors without changing the former proprietors business name. Please take note that this form is used when the new proprietor does not have any family relationship with the former owner; in such cases the terms Erben or Nachfahren are used.

An example for the non-relative follow-up would be the business of Porzellanfabrik Oscar Schaller & Co. which was located in Schwarzenbach in Bavaria. After the company had been taken over by Winterling in 1917, the company name changed to Porzellanfabrik Oscar Schaller & Co. Nachfolger which was kept until 1950.