Peter Hubert, Partner, MDN Group In today’s European business markets, successful privately held companies are receiving an increasing number of unsolicited acquisition offers.  Whether from private equity firms or strategic buyers, these unexpected proposals require careful consideration and a structured approach to evaluation.  This comprehensive guide will help business owners navigate this complex situation while …

Peter Hubert, Partner, MDN Group When owners of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) across the European Union consider selling, one of their first questions is often: “How much is my business worth?”  Determining a company’s value can feel daunting since valuations blend art and science, with specialists devoting entire careers to the subject. Countless books …

Robert Nilsen, Associate, MDN Group Economic downturns are an inevitable part of running a business. Yet research by Boston Consulting Group indicates that only a tiny fraction of companies (around 14%) managed to increase sales growth and profit margins during the four global recessions since 1985.  Many businesses focus on defensive, short-term moves, often undermining …

Gabriel Hansen, Associate, MDN Group The European M&A landscape presents unique opportunities for growth and expansion, yet the path to successful deals remains challenging.  With research indicating that up to 90% of mergers and acquisitions fail to meet their objectives, understanding the critical factors that can derail these complex transactions is essential for European business …

Peter Hubert, Partner, MDN Group When business owners in the European Union decide to sell, they begin a journey that demands careful planning, open communication, and professional advisory. Whether the motivation is retirement, the pursuit of new ventures, or a strategic refocus, selling a business is one of the most significant decisions an entrepreneur can …

Victoria Thomas, Associate, MDN Group Acquiring another business can provide an effective route for expanding your operations, gaining market share, and strengthening your competitive position. While a lot of the conversation around acquisitions focuses on target selection, negotiations, and thorough due diligence, one factor stands at the heart of the entire process: securing the right type …

Martin Bakker, Partner, MDN Group In the European M&A market, sellers must deal with an array of regulations, cultural nuances, and shifting market conditions. Even well-prepared owners can encounter unexpected obstacles that slow negotiations, diminish deal value, or cause serious buyers to walk away. By recognizing and addressing these potential pitfalls, sellers can position themselves …

In an increasingly volatile European market, businesses are moving away from traditional large-scale, high-stakes transactions and gravitating toward smaller, incremental acquisitions. This approach, often described as “buy and build,” offers a level of strategic flexibility that can be critical in uncertain times.  Rather than committing massive resources to a single, transformative deal, companies are instead opting …

Gabriel Hansen, Associate, MDN Group The European packaging sector, like many other global industries, faced multiple moving targets during 2024. However, despite challenges, including elevated interest rates, supply chain disruptions, and economic uncertainty, mergers and acquisitions in the packaging industry demonstrated a measured resilience.  Though deal volumes remained somewhat subdued, several notable transactions highlighted that both …

Peter Hubert, Partner, MDN Group Assessing the value of a business requires careful analysis of financial metrics. Among these, Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation, and Amortization (EBITDA) is a critical indicator.  By isolating core operational performance, EBITDA provides essential insights for investors, analysts, and business owners.

David Wong, Partner, MDN Group The European mid-market mergers and acquisitions (M&A) terrain is complex and presents a number of unique challenges. Economic headwinds, rising operational costs, and political uncertainties have made acquirers more selective than ever.  As businesses prepare for 2024, understanding the criteria that acquirers prioritize is crucial for those aiming to attract …

Peter Hubert, Partner, MDN Group Exiting a business is a major milestone for any owner. Whether your goal is retirement, transferring ownership to family, or selling to a third party, planning a well-structured exit strategy is key to securing your financial future and ensuring the business’s continued success.  In this article, we’ll cover how to …

The merger and acquisition (M&A) landscape has been experiencing an unusually prolonged downturn, leaving many industry observers questioning when a revival might occur. Despite underlying demographic trends that suggest potential growth, various factors have suppressed activity in recent years. A critical focal point is whether the Federal Reserve’s decision to cut interest rates could serve …

Martin Bakker, Partner, MDN Group When most entrepreneurs and business owners launch a business, they invest endless time, energy, and resources to ensure its success. But what happens when they’re no longer around to lead? It’s an uncomfortable question, yet critical for every business owner to consider if they want to leave a legacy.  Building a business …

Frankfurt, November 19, 2024 – MDN Group, a leading independent investment banking advisory company specialising in mergers and acquisitions and strategic advice for Small-cap deals, is proud to announce new initiatives aimed at fostering sustainable growth among small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) through strategic partnerships. This effort underscores MDN Group’s commitment to economic development, innovation, …

Peter Hubert, Partner, MDN Group Understanding your business’s true value is essential not only for potential sales but also to attract investors or refine your financial strategy. A precise valuation can provide more than a fair price; it serves as leverage in negotiations, ensuring no financial opportunities are missed. If you’re looking to understand your …