2024: A Year in Review with Managing Partner Stefan Mattern

Dear reader,

As I reflect on my first year as Managing Partner, I want to extend my gratitude to our clients, partners, and team members who have been essential to our progress. This year has been shaped by strategic developments that underscore our commitment to sector specialisation, growth, and delivering exceptional results to our clients. Here are our key achievements:

Following last week’s announcement, we are pleased to welcome Bror Axberg as Partner in our Helsinki office. With over 30 years of experience in investment banking, Bror brings invaluable expertise that enhances our Nordic presence and reinforces our position as a leading independent advisory firm.

We have made significant progress in expanding our footprint. We recently welcomed Ivo Polten, CFA to the partnership as a key addition to our technology sector and the leader of our new Munich office. Meanwhile, our Frankfurt office has grown to a team of 12, surpassing our initial goal of 10 team members by 2025. Under the leadership of Sven Harmsen , Frankfurt has become a key hub not only for debt advisory—led by Richard R?sener and Matthias Magnus —but also for M&A, reflecting our comprehensive approach to corporate finance.

On the transactional front, 2024 has been an active year for MCF. So far, we have successfully completed 24 deals, demonstrating our ability to navigate complex situations and deliver meaningful results in a still challenging environment. Our strengthened partnership with D.A. Davidson Equity Capital Markets continues to play a crucial role, providing our clients with seamless cross-border solutions that combine regional expertise with global reach.

Looking at the M&A market, it has demonstrated resilience over the last 12-months, with a strong emphasis on strategic acquisitions aimed at driving growth, diversification, and expanding market reach—underscoring the importance of M&A in achieving long-term success. While global deal volumes have softened, activity remained strong across our verticals.

Private equity, supported by ample dry powder, continues to pursue opportunities, while strategic buyers focus on transactions aligned with long-term growth objectives. Additionally, debt advisory has grown increasingly important within our offering, providing clients with flexible solutions that facilitate successful deals, even in challenging market conditions.

Each year at Christmas, MCF is proud to support deserving charities. This year, we are delighted to dontate to Tafelstiftung Schleswig-Holstein-Hamburg, providing food to low income families; Tampere University Hospital in Finland, providing critical neurosurgery care; Movember in the UK, championing men’s health, mental health support, and cancer research; and The Hunger Project in Sweden, dedicated to eradicating hunger and empowering communities globally.

As we close the year, I am proud of what we have achieved together and excited for what lies ahead. Our success is built on an outstanding culture that fosters continuous learning, collaboration, and improvement, enabling us to deliver the best results for our clients—whether they are family-owned businesses or institutional investors.?

Thank you for your trust, partnership, and support. Wishing you a peaceful holiday season and a happy New Year. Here’s to another year of growth and success.

Warm regards,

Stefan Mattern, Managing Partner

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