Translink expands Benelux footprint with AenF Partners

International M&A network Translink has expanded its presence in the Benelux with the addition of AenF Partners.

Headquartered in Switzerland, Translink is an international network comprising 300 M&A advisors in 35+ countries. The firm ranks as one of the world’s ten largest mid-market-focused M&A players.

“Strengthening our presence in the Netherlands is a key pillar of our strategy, so last year we started to look for a partner with similar growth goals and synergies,” said Maurits Hesseling, Managing Partner of Translinkin the Benelux. “AenF Partners was an obvious choice, our services are complementary and we share a similar approach and culture.”

Founded in 2005, AenF Partners is a boutique M&A advisory firm specialised in acquisitions, divestitures, valuations, management buy-ins, and financing, with a focus on the mid-market segment. The firm has helped close around 450 deals since its inception and was last year named among the leading M&A consultancies in the Dutch market.

Co-founders and partners Friso Kuipers and Alexander Boissevain said the joining of forces with the international player is in line with its growth ambitions, and the increasing cross-border nature of its work.

“For the last few years, we have been looking for a partner to help us grow our international exposure. Translink’s global expertise and footprint made it a good fit from the start,” Kuipers said. “Almost 80% of our deals are currently on the sell-side, making the cross-border opportunities the merger brings extremely beneficial for our clients seeking to go abroad,” Boissevain added.

“Additionally, we share the same values,” he continued. “Translink shares our values and reputation for excellence. That overlap in culture and ethos made the merger feel right.”

AenF Partners has rebranded as Translink, and will work closely together with the Belgian arm of the network. Combined, the offices in Utrecht and Brussel have sixteen M&A experts.