Houlihan Lokey Expands European Capabilities with Two Acquisitions

Global investment bank Houlihan Lokey, Inc. has made two strategic transactions to further strengthen its European platform and expand its capabilities across its global corporate finance business. The firm has signed an agreement to secure a controlling interest in Audere Partners, a French corporate finance firm currently operating under the Natixis Partners brand. Additionally, Houlihan Lokey has acquired the real estate capital advisory business of Mellum Capital, with operations in Munich and London.

“Over the past decade, our growth in Europe has been driven by a clear focus on delivering exceptional outcomes for clients through a truly differentiated offering,” said Scott Adelson, CEO of Houlihan Lokey. “Our ability to combine global reach and deep sector expertise with unparalleled access to alternative capital has enabled us to support clients with solutions few others can match. The breadth of expertise that the Audere Partners and Mellum Capital teams bring, together with the strong cultural alignment we share, further enhances that offering.”

Audere Partners is renowned for its market-leading expertise in French mid-cap advisory, mainly serving financial sponsors, entrepreneurs and family-owned businesses. Its senior leadership will all join Houlihan Lokey, including Patrick Maurel, who built and led the founding team.

Founded in 2021 as a spin-out from Brookfield Financial, Mellum Capital advises financial institutions, investors, and corporates on equity investments, debt placements, structured finance, liability management and strategic advisory in the real estate sector. Founding partners Heinrich Hauss and Markus Reule have joined Houlihan Lokey as managing directors in the Capital Solutions group to lead its real estate capital advisory offering in Europe.