You want to grow through acquisitions
New regions, complementary products or additional capacity: an acquisition is often faster than organic growth. We find targets that fit strategically and culturally.
Service · Buy-sideFind the right company.
Find the right company.
Even if it is not for sale.
For entrepreneurs, family offices and investors, we search specifically for acquisition targets. Many of the most interesting companies are never offered publicly, which is why we approach owners directly and discreetly.
- Off-marketdirect approach to owners
- Clear search profilesector, region, size, earnings
- Valuation includedbefore you make an offer
Starting point
What matters when buying
- Accessapproach owners directly and confidentially
- Disciplinevaluation and review before every offer
- Integrationplan for the day after closing
Good mid-sized companies are rarely offered publicly. Many owners are thinking about a sale but have not yet appointed an adviser or started a process. If you only start looking when a company appears on a platform, you compete with many other interested parties and often arrive too late.
Successful acquisitions therefore start with a clear search profile and a systematic, discreet approach. Discipline in valuation and due diligence is just as important: the best deal is the one where price, risks and integration fit together, not the one that closes fastest.
We support you from strategy to signing and beyond, when it comes to the first months after the takeover.
What you get
What we take care of
- 01
Search profile
Jointly defined criteria: sector, region, size, earning power and strategic fit.
- 02
Target screening
Systematic research and assessment of potential target companies.
- 03
Direct approach
Discreet first contact with owners, even without an ongoing sale process.
- 04
Valuation
A robust indication of value and a purchase price proposal for your offer.
- 05
Due diligence
Managing the review together with your lawyers and tax advisers.
- 06
Negotiation
Structure, purchase price mechanism, financing and the owner's transition.
Process
How we work
- 1Search profile1 to 2 weeks
Define strategy, criteria and budget.
- 2Screening3 to 6 weeks
Identify and prioritise target companies.
- 3Outreachongoing
Discreet contact, first meetings, confidentiality.
- 4Valuation and offer2 to 4 weeks
Assess value, indicative offer, letter of intent.
- 5Review and completion8 to 16 weeks
Due diligence, purchase agreement, closing and integration.
Challenges
Typical hurdles and our answer
Suitable targets are hard to find
Systematic screening by sector, region, size and earning power produces a prioritised list, including companies that are not actively for sale.
Owners are reluctant to respond
We approach owners personally, respectfully and confidentially, and explain why your offer is a good fit for their life's work.
Risks go undetected
We manage due diligence with your lawyers and tax advisers and translate findings into purchase price, warranties and contract clauses.
The purchase price is hard to finance
We structure the purchase price and financing, for example with a vendor loan, earn-out or rollover equity, and prepare talks with banks.
Who it is for
Who this service is for
We work on a small number of mandates at a time. Each one is led personally, from the first conversation to closing.
You are looking for established businesses
For long-term investors, we look for solid, owner-managed companies with stable earnings, where you can convince as a reliable owner.
You are building a platform
Whether a buy-and-build strategy or a search fund: we identify suitable platform and add-on companies and prepare the approach carefully.
You want to take over a company
As an experienced executive, you want to become an entrepreneur yourself (MBI). We help with the search, valuation and financing structure, including vendor loans.
Preparation
What you should prepare
You do not need everything ready. These points help us give you a well-founded assessment quickly.
Send a request- A clear strategy: why are you buying, and what should the acquisition achieve?
- Search criteria: sector, region, size, earnings, exclusions
- Budget and financing framework
- Decision-making processes on your side
- Initial ideas on integration and the previous owner's role
Questions
Frequently asked questions
How do you find companies that are not for sale?
Through systematic screening based on your search profile and a direct, confidential approach to the owners. Many successions are only set in motion this way.
Do I remain anonymous as a buyer?
Yes, if you wish. We initially approach target companies without disclosing your name.
In which countries do you search?
Our focus is the German-speaking region (Germany, Austria, Switzerland), plus the Benelux countries and Central and Eastern Europe.
Do you also help with financing?
We support you with the structure and with talks with banks and equity providers. The financing commitment itself is given by the bank.
What does a search mandate cost?
A retainer for search and outreach and a success fee on completion are customary. The terms depend on the scope of the search profile and are discussed in the initial meeting.
How long does it take to find a suitable company?
That depends on the search profile. First qualified conversations are often possible after a few weeks; completion usually takes several months.
Let us talk about your plans.
Confidential, without obligation and personal.
Book a first conversation