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What we do
We are an independent sponsor providing succession solutions for family-owned businesses to help them grow faster, perform better, and reinforce their legacy
We invest in high-quality businesses across a range of industries
Businesses with a strong following amongst their customers and employees excite us
We are long-term oriented, and our objective is to grow the businesses we invest in
We inspire ambition and pace with experience, expertise, and energy
We focus on a small portfolio which enables us to develop a deep understanding
We deliver a smooth ownership transition and provide hands-on support to the management team
We look to develop the senior management team from within the organisation
We provide significant support, opportunity, and potential rewards for the broader team
We build upon the existing strategy, plans, and strengths of the business
We draw on our value creation expertise to accelerate, augment, reinforce, and de-risk these plans
We operate as an independent sponsor
Our investment model is built around flexibility, alignment, and close collaboration with our investors. Unlike traditional private equity funds, we do not manage a “blind pool” of capital. Instead, we source and evaluate investment opportunities on a deal-by-deal basis, presenting them directly to our investor network.
This independent sponsor model allows us to remain nimble and focus on high-quality transactions at a scale where opportunities are significant but traditional private equity cannot play. We can also structure each investment with the goals of our investors firmly in mind.
By maintaining a lean, specialized team and being focused on a very narrow portfolio, we ensure our interests are fully aligned, generating value through disciplined due diligence, hands-on operational support, and long-term strategic vision.
Already well-established in the United States, the independent sponsor model has several advantages over traditional lower-mid-market private equity funds:
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Customized, deal-by-deal approach: no “blind pool” of capital — investors choose which deals to participate in and have the opportunity to vet, understand, and commit to specific investments based on their own risk/return profile.
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Alignment of interests: success-based compensation rather than fixed management fees reinforces the focus on performance and results.
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Strong and direct relationships with investors: transparent communication, close collaboration, and a more personal service than larger, institutional private equity firms.
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Flexibility and independence: the ability to source and structure deals without the constraints of a traditional fund allows us to move quickly, adapt to changing market conditions, and customize deal structures to meet investor preferences.
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Focus: a smaller number of total investments will enable us to focus our resources on delivering the full potential of each investment.
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Deep operational expertise: hands-on operational involvement with portfolio companies by the principals accelerates value creation and growth and the ability to identify opportunities where a hands-on, customized approach can unlock hidden or under-realized value.
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A fit-for-purpose model for the lower mid-market: true focus on delivering on often off-market or proprietary investments that are individually too sub-scale for traditional private equity and without the need to build a large fund or the distraction of a fee-driven model.
As independent sponsors, we can be nimbler and are personally more engaged in each deal than many traditional private equity funds are.
Our Model
Our Playbook
1 / We focus on what we’re good at
Our investment strategy is a testament to our extensive experience and proven track record. We bring over three decades of experience in private equity investing, operational value creation, and board-level leadership. Collectively, we have managed investments exceeding hundreds of millions in capital, delivering exceptional returns from delivering transformational growth
The sectors we specialise in are areas where our proven track record and deep market insights set us apart. We leverage our deep understanding of due diligence, investment execution, and operational value creation in every investment. Our experience in strategic planning, team building, and financial management allows us to work closely with portfolio companies to unlock their full potential and create lasting value. This foundation of expertise ensures that we deliver results that align with our commitment to operational excellence and sustainable growth
2 / We are locals in all markets we invest in
Our approach is rooted in being deeply connected to the markets we operate in, which is critical to identifying the best opportunities and building trust with stakeholders. Our team is comprised of residents and nationals from the German speaking region, the UK, and Spain, and much of our track record as investors stems from there. In each of those three markets, we maintain strong relationships with local advisors, networks, and communities, enabling us to navigate cultural and regulatory nuances effectively
Being “local” isn’t just geographical; it’s about understanding the unique dynamics of each region, spanning customer behaviours, corporate cultures, and the legal systems. This insight allows us to craft strategies that resonate with local needs while staying aligned with our global objectives. By being embedded in the markets we invest in, we ensure every decision is informed, relevant, and impactful
3 / We are forensic in our due diligence
Our diligence process is rigorous and data-driven. Before committing to an investment, we conduct a comprehensive evaluation that is grounded in decades of blue-chip investing experience. However, we are also cognizant of the reality of the scale and nature of the businesses we invest in and take an approach that is pragmatic in how it focuses on what drives or may carry downside. This meticulous approach helps us uncover risks, identify growth opportunities, and develop tailored value-creation plans that the business is aligned with well before we invest
Our goal is to understand not just where a company stands today, but its true potential for the future. By being forensic in our diligence, we mitigate risks and position our investments for long-term success, and from the outset, we know we’re working with true transformation potential
4 / Our DNA is in driving growth and value
Growth and value creation are at the heart of everything we do. Our approach goes beyond financial engineering; we focus on building stronger, more resilient businesses. Across our team, we spent the majority of our careers either as executives in small and mid-sized businesses or working closely with management teams to enhance operational efficiency, expand market reach, and develop innovative strategies that unlock potential
Our value-creation strategies include:
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Aligning leadership capabilities and culture to an increased level of performance
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Identifying and executing growth initiatives that strengthen the strategic positioning of the business
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Focusing on efficiencies and a bootstrapping mentality to unlock investment capacity for future growth
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Developing differentiated capabilities through digitisation and leveraging data and technology
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Identifying, acquiring, and integrating complementary businesses to enhance efficiency, expand market reach, and unlock scalability
This growth-focused DNA ensures that our investments not only thrive but also create lasting value for all stakeholders. By embedding ourselves in the journey of transformation, we achieve results that stand the test of time
About Us
We bring more than thirty years of experience investing
in and operating businesses in the European mid-market
Managing Partner
Markus Zejermann
Markus has been an investor in mid-market European Private Equity for over ten years. In this period, he has acquired, supported, and exited several businesses across Germany, Benelux, Spain, France, and UK. He has invested in excess of €400m in capital that created market-leading returns for investors.
In parallel, Markus has delivered in more than 10 years in board-level roles driving strategy delivery, team and capability building, and often the professionalization of the finance function. A key part of his role across boards was the recruiting of top management teams, including CEOs and CFOs.
Markus also brings the managers' perspective, having been an operating partner with The Gores Group and a management consultant with Bain & Company for the better part of a decade before focusing on deal-making. His expertise from that period encompasses corporate strategy, go-to-market performance, growth, and cost efficiency.
Managing Partner
Mirco Iwan
Mirco has spent more than 15 years in executive leadership roles, actively managing direct investments for private equity funds, family offices, and high-net-worth individuals across Germany, Spain, Italy, the Middle East, Northern Africa, and the US. In this time, he has built comprehensive M&A expertise and hands-on operating experience, guiding SMEs through acquisitions, integrations, and growth initiatives.
In parallel, Mirco has focused on operational value creation, steering special situations such as carve-outs, buy-and-build strategies, turnarounds, and exit processes. His leadership background includes multiple CEO mandates in industries ranging from chemicals and transportation to retail and FMCG.
Mirco also brings an academic perspective as a visiting lecturer in Corporate Strategy at ESADE Business School, and he is a Certified Turnaround Professional (CTP).
Our track record in the European Mid-market
>€400m
of capital successfully invested
>35 years
of experience investing in
and operating businesses
>10
businesses operationally and strategically improved
as a shareholder
>10
transactions closed
as a shareholder
Our Investment Reach
We have extensive experience of investing and operating across key European geographies, multiple sectors, and in expanding businesses internationally
We are particularly well-placed to help European companies deliver on their global ambitions and provide the experience needed to navigate cross-border expansion