In a decisive move that signals a significant deepening of its commitment to the European market, investment bank Houlihan Lokey has unveiled a pair of strategic transactions aimed at substantially broadening its corporate finance capabilities across the continent. These acquisitions are not merely opportunistic purchases but rather calculated steps in a broader campaign to reinforce its regional dominance by targeting both the vibrant French mid-cap advisory sector and the specialized niche of real estate capital advisory. By securing a controlling interest in the well-regarded French firm Audere Partners and simultaneously acquiring the real estate capital advisory division of Mellum Capital, Houlihan Lokey is executing a multifaceted strategy designed to enhance its sector-specific expertise and provide its clients with more sophisticated and diverse capital solutions. This dual-pronged expansion underscores a clear ambition to build a more comprehensive and resilient European franchise, one that can navigate the complexities of local markets while leveraging the power of a global platform. The firm is clearly positioning itself to capture a larger share of advisory work in key European economic hubs.
A Two-Pronged Approach to Market Dominance
Solidifying the French Mid-Cap Market
The agreement to acquire a controlling interest in Audere Partners, a distinguished French corporate finance advisory firm currently operating as Natixis Partners, represents a landmark step in Houlihan Lokey’s strategy to become a powerhouse in France’s dynamic mid-cap sector. This transaction, slated for completion in the first quarter of 2026, is set to create one of the country’s most formidable advisory platforms for middle-market companies. Upon closing, the Audere Partners brand will be fully absorbed into the Houlihan Lokey identity, a move that will not only unify operations but also send a strong message to the market about the firm’s consolidated strength. The integration will bring over 50 seasoned financial professionals into the fold, nearly doubling the size of Houlihan Lokey’s French team to approximately 80 employees. This infusion of talent includes the senior leadership of Audere, such as Patrick Maurel and Bruno Stern, whose deep-rooted relationships and extensive experience with financial sponsors, entrepreneurs, and family-owned businesses are invaluable assets that will anchor the expanded operation.
This strategic acquisition is about more than just increasing headcount; it is a deliberate move to embed Houlihan Lokey deeply within the fabric of the French business community. Audere Partners has cultivated a stellar reputation for its advisory work with a client base that forms the backbone of the French economy. By bringing this team on board, Houlihan Lokey gains immediate, high-level access and credibility within a market segment that often values long-standing relationships and local expertise over a global name alone. The integration is designed to combine Audere’s localized knowledge and client network with Houlihan Lokey’s global reach, industry-specific insights, and broader suite of financial services. This synergy is expected to create a compelling value proposition for French mid-cap companies seeking to navigate complex transactions, whether they involve mergers and acquisitions, capital raising, or strategic restructurings. The move effectively positions the firm to offer a best-of-both-worlds approach: the agility and personalized attention of a local specialist backed by the resources and international access of a global investment banking leader.
Launching a New European Real Estate Service
In a distinct yet strategically aligned maneuver, Houlihan Lokey has successfully completed the acquisition of the real estate capital advisory business from Mellum Capital, a firm with operations in both Munich and London. This transaction, which has already been fully integrated and rebranded, marks the launch of a dedicated Real Estate Capital Advisory service for the firm’s European clients, filling a critical gap in its service offerings and tapping into a highly active asset class. The deal brings a team of 11 specialized professionals into Houlihan Lokey’s Capital Solutions Group, providing an immediate and established footprint in the European real estate finance landscape. The leadership for this new division will be provided by Mellum Capital’s founding partners, Heinrich Hauss and Markus Reule, who join as Managing Directors. Their extensive experience and strong industry connections are expected to be pivotal in driving the growth of this new service line. It is important to clarify that this acquisition was precisely targeted, excluding Mellum Real Estate GmbH, the brokerage subsidiary, which continues to operate under its original ownership.
The establishment of this new real estate capital advisory practice reflects a keen understanding of the evolving needs of investors and developers across Europe. The real estate market demands highly specialized knowledge of debt and equity structures, and this acquisition provides Houlihan Lokey with instant expertise in this complex area. The new team will advise clients on a wide range of capital solutions, including debt financing, joint venture equity, and recapitalizations for real estate assets and portfolios. By integrating this service into its broader Capital Solutions Group, the firm can now offer a more holistic advisory approach to clients who have real estate exposure or are looking to invest in the sector. This move not only broadens the firm’s service capabilities but also creates significant cross-selling opportunities, allowing its M&A and financial restructuring teams to leverage in-house real estate expertise for more complex transactions. The strategic placement of the team in Munich and London also provides a strong base to cover key European real estate markets, positioning the firm to capitalize on transaction flows across the continent.
The Broader Strategic Imperative
Deepening Sector Expertise and Capital Access
These two acquisitions are not isolated events but rather integral components of Houlihan Lokey’s overarching strategy to significantly enhance its European franchise through deepened sector-specific coverage and improved access to alternative capital solutions. The modern corporate finance landscape demands more than generalist advice; clients increasingly seek advisors with profound, specialized knowledge of their specific industry. The Audere Partners deal fortifies the firm’s expertise in the French mid-market, while the Mellum Capital transaction establishes a dedicated practice for the nuanced world of real estate finance. This focus on specialization allows the firm to provide more insightful, value-added advice that goes beyond simple transaction execution. By building out these expert teams, Houlihan Lokey is better equipped to understand the unique challenges and opportunities within these sectors, enabling it to craft bespoke financial solutions that align precisely with its clients’ strategic objectives. This approach is a direct response to a market that rewards deep industry acumen and a proven track record.
Furthermore, these moves are fundamentally about strengthening the firm’s ability to connect clients with a diverse range of capital sources. In today’s complex and often volatile financial environment, traditional funding avenues are not always sufficient or optimal. The expansion of the Capital Solutions Group through the addition of the real estate team is a clear indication of the firm’s commitment to providing access to alternative capital, including private credit, structured equity, and other non-traditional financing structures. This capability is a powerful differentiator, particularly for mid-cap companies and real estate investors who may not have easy access to public markets. By having dedicated teams that understand the intricacies of both specific industry sectors and the alternative capital landscape, Houlihan Lokey can serve as a more effective and comprehensive partner to its clients. This strategic focus ensures the firm is not just an advisor on transactions but a key enabler of its clients’ growth and long-term success by securing the right capital structure to support their ambitions.
Building on a Decade of Regional Growth
The recent flurry of activity in France and Germany is the culmination of a decade of consistent and deliberate growth for Houlihan Lokey in the EMEA region. The firm’s executives have emphasized that these transactions build upon a foundation of sustained investment and expansion, reflecting a long-term commitment to becoming a leading advisor in Europe. This growth has been driven by a successful formula that combines the firm’s global reach with highly specialized local teams, creating a platform that is both internationally connected and deeply attuned to regional market dynamics. The expansion has been methodical, targeting key financial centers and high-growth sectors to steadily build a comprehensive presence. The EMEA platform, which now boasts approximately 550 financial professionals, has achieved significant momentum, and these latest acquisitions are designed to accelerate that trajectory even further. They serve as a clear signal to the market that Houlihan Lokey intends to continue its strategic expansion and compete at the highest level in Europe.
This sustained investment highlights a strategic belief in the long-term potential of the European market. Rather than pulling back during periods of economic uncertainty, the firm has consistently chosen to press forward, acquiring talent and capabilities that position it for future success. The dual acquisitions in France and Germany underscore a flexible growth strategy that employs both the integration of established teams and the launch of new service lines to address specific market opportunities. This approach allows the firm to quickly scale up in target areas while ensuring a high level of quality and cultural fit. By continuing to build out its sector-specific expertise and its unique access to a wide array of capital providers, Houlihan Lokey is reinforcing its value proposition to a broad range of European clients, from fast-growing mid-cap companies to large institutional investors. The recent moves are not just about getting bigger; they are about getting better, deeper, and more strategically entrenched in the key markets that will drive the region’s economic future.
A Blueprint for Future European Growth
The strategic acquisitions of Audere Partners and the Mellum Capital division have provided Houlihan Lokey with a fortified position in the European financial advisory landscape. These moves go beyond simple expansion; they represent a carefully executed strategy that deepens the firm’s expertise in critical sectors and expands its service offerings in a way that directly addresses evolving client needs. The successful integration of these teams enhances the firm’s ability to offer specialized, localized advice backed by a global network, creating a powerful competitive advantage. This dual-transaction approach, targeting both a broad market segment with the French mid-cap deal and a specialized niche with the real estate capital team, establishes a versatile and effective model for future growth initiatives across the continent. The firm has demonstrated a clear blueprint for how to scale intelligently, preserving the entrepreneurial spirit and deep client relationships of acquired teams while leveraging the extensive resources of a global platform.
