14/03/2016 - News

Clearwater International to strengthen in Europe with new German and French teams

Germany-based @VISORY partners Corporate Finance (‘@VISORY’) and France-based Easton Corporate Finance (‘Easton’) have today merged with Clearwater International, the leading global mid market M&A firm.

@VISORY and Easton become part of Clearwater International with immediate effect. The German and French teams join the fully integrated Clearwater structure which will now have 15 office locations. This creates a 200 strong team covering Europe, North America and Asia, completing over 100 deals a year; worth some €5.0bn. Clearwater International is pleased to announce this transaction after a number of years co-operating with the two firms.

The German and French businesses are led by 10 experienced partners, all with an excellent track record in international mid market deals. Three of Clearwater’s cross border sector teams will now be led by partners from Germany and France; Tobias Schätzmüller will lead the Automotive team, Dierk Rottmann the Energy and Utilities team and the Real Estate team will headed up by Laurent Camilli. In addition, Markus Otto will assume responsibility for Clearwater’s special situations advisory business.

Ralph Schmücking and Thomas Gaucher, from @VISORY and Easton respectively, have both joined Michael Reeves, Phil Burns, Søren Nørbjerg, Francisco Gomez and Natasha Eden on the Clearwater International board, as the company reaffirms its commitment to aligning its international resources in Europe, North America and Asia.

Michael Reeves, Chief Executive, Clearwater International, commented: “Today marks an important step in realising Clearwater’s ambitions to become the leading global mid market advisory firm. This transaction allows Clearwater enhanced access into central and northern Europe. Easton and @VISORY will be able to make full advantage of Clearwater’s integrated international industry groups and the many relationships we already have with strategic acquirers and investors around the world; whilst adding further depth to the ten sectors we operate in.”

“The development and implementation of effective international M&A strategies is in growing demand by our customers. Our clients seek trusted, innovative teams with extraordinary counterparty access” observes Thomas Gaucher, Co-Founder, Easton Corporate Finance. “Clearwater International has a unique approach to addressing the market requirements of international reach, sector focus and premium quality advice.”

Ralph Schmücking, Co-Founder, @VISORY partners Corporate Finance in Germany, said, “Our DNA is providing independent advice, free of any conflicts of interest, an unreserved commitment to achieve the best results for our clients, and an end-to-end involvement of our most senior leaders in each assignment. Based on these shared common grounds, Clearwater International is establishing itself as the pre-eminent global Corporate Finance Advisor for the mid market.”

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