Publications

Closing the Skills Gap: How Acquisitions Strengthen European Businesses

Martin Bakker, Partner, MDN Group

Across the European Union, many industries continue to face a shortage of skilled workers. As technology evolves and business models change, the demand for specialised expertise often grows faster than the available talent pool. At the same time, costs for recruitment, training, and salaries are rising – placing additional pressure on companies.

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Selling or Buying a Business: Can Vendor Finance Be a Strategic Tool?

Gabriel Hansen, Associate, MDN Group

For many business buyers – especially first-time or management buy-in candidates – raising the full purchase price through traditional bank loans or private equity can be difficult. In situations where buyers face a funding gap, vendor finance can be a practical solution to complete the deal.

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VIAMBO: A Strategic Path to Ownership Transition

Steven Tang, Partner, MDN Group

A management buyout can be the best solution for both the buyers and the sellers if everyone is in agreement. At MDN Group, we guide business owners and management teams through complex ownership transitions. One structure we often advise on is the Vendor-Initiated Assisted Management Buyout (VIAMBO), a tailored solution where the business owner (vendor) supports the management team in acquiring the company.

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10 Strategic Benefits of a Business Exit Plan

Peter Hubert, Partner, MDN Group

Every business lifecycle reaches a point of transition. Whether your company is scaling rapidly, approaching institutional capital, or preparing for a potential IPO, a structured exit plan is a critical component of enterprise value creation.

Experienced managing directors understand this dynamic, which is why formal exit planning is essential. While 60% of SMEs fail within their first three years, the remaining 40% must still navigate growth, succession, or liquidity events. This guide outlines the rationale behind exit planning and why it is essential for long-term strategic positioning.

Evaluating the BIMBO Approach: Key Insights for Investors

Martin Bakker, Partner, MDN Group

Understanding Buy-In Management Buyouts

When looking at strategic opportunities for company ownership transitions, business owners and management teams often encounter various deal structures. 

Among these, the Buy-In Management Buyout (BIMBO) model has become increasingly visible. But what precisely is the BIMBO approach, and how might it benefit or challenge your organisation?