THE REASON FOR THE SEARCH

FalkenSteg, a German leader in distressed M&A advisory, required a Director of Corporate Finance to:

• Lead sell-side mandates in insolvency-driven processes across sectors including healthcare, consumer, and manufacturing

• Manage client relationships with insolvency administrators and legal professionals

• Independently direct due diligence and transaction structuring through to closing across cross-border deals

THE PRIVATE EQUITY FIRM

FalkenSteg

FalkenSteg is a top-ranked German advisory firm specialising in distressed M&A transactions. They work closely with insolvency representatives and legal counsel to manage time-sensitive divestments, with assets typically ranging from €20m to €100m EV. Their clients include distressed companies across healthcare, automotive, retail, and industrials, with frequent cross-border engagements involving acquirers from China, Vietnam, Switzerland, Austria, and Germany.

THE PORTFOLIO COMPANY

While not a portfolio investor, FalkenSteg advised on over 44 transactions under Steffen’s tenure. A selection of healthcare deals includes:

• Project Dignity: Buy-side healthcare transaction over €100m EV

• Pflege- & Therapiezentrum Volpp: Sale of a distressed healthcare facility

• Südhessischer Klinikverbund (SHK): Multiple site disposals and liquidations under distressed sale mandates

Across all projects, Steffen retained over 3,000 jobs and led 16 transactions as team lead, achieving 31 closings out of 44.

THE SEARCH REQUIREMENTS

• Deep experience in distressed M&A and insolvency processes

• Proven leadership in managing transaction teams and legal coordination

• Track record in cross-border deals and multi-sector execution

• Technical proficiency in financial modelling, industry analysis, and deal structuring

• Desire to transition from sell-side distressed mandates to mid-cap buy-side investing

OUR APPROACH

Raw Selection identified and validated Steffen’s suitability for a buy-side role within a mid-cap fund:

• Mapped M&A professionals with distressed backgrounds seeking healthy deal experience

• Prioritised candidates with hands-on execution experience across €20–100m EV transactions

• Evaluated cultural fit with mid-sized funds investing across the DACH region

• Confirmed Steffen’s readiness to transition into buy-side, minority investing within mid-market funds

THOUGHTS ON THE CANDIDATE

Steffen’s track record is rare — leading 44 transactions in distressed environments and structuring highly complex deals across Europe. His leadership in saving legal costs, preparing transaction papers, and coordinating final-stage buyers adds significant value. He brings hands-on financial and operational modelling expertise and has strong exposure to healthcare. Now completing his MBA at HEC Paris and LBS, he is committed to joining a mid-cap fund investing in healthy businesses, with a clear preference for DACH and healthcare.

IMPACT & RESULTS

Execution Depth: Led and closed over 30 deals, many under urgent insolvency conditions
Cross-Border Experience: Closed transactions involving buyers from across Europe and Asia
Strategic Pivot: Now prepared to shift from sell-side mandates to long-term investment ownership

CLIENT TESTIMONIAL

“Steffen's combination of execution experience, analytical rigor, and cross-border insight is rare. His time at FalkenSteg has honed his ability to manage complex transactions independently — he’s now poised to add value to any mid-cap buy-side team with ambition and a collaborative culture.”

Steffen Brand, Senior Analyst, ArchiMed