Mergers and Acquisitions Associate

M&A Associate / Senior Associate – Cologne (Hybrid)

Leading Mid-Market Corporate Finance Advisory Platform

A high-performing M&A advisory firm with a strong foothold in the German mid-market is looking to add a Senior Associate / Associate to its growing Corporate Finance team. With offices around Germany, the platform brings together 180+ professionals across M&A and strategy, executing over 300 transactions annually. The team offers deep sector expertise, high deal velocity, and access to an international partner network, making it a dynamic environment for mid-level professionals seeking exposure to complex, cross-border transactions.

What You’ll Do

• Take full accountability for transaction execution across both buy- and sell-side mandates, overseeing multiple concurrent workstreams with precision, efficiency, and commercial awareness.
• Craft investor-grade materials including pitchbooks, information memoranda, dynamic financial models, and valuation outputs that withstand rigorous analysis from leading strategic and financial counterparties.
• Serve as a central point of coordination among clients, legal advisors, and international transaction teams—ensuring seamless collaboration across geographies, functions, and cultures.
• Lead detailed financial and commercial due diligence efforts, flagging risks, uncovering value drivers, and delivering actionable insights that directly influence deal outcomes.
• Partner closely with senior leadership to shape origination strategy, prepare high-impact client proposals, and drive growth in a fast-evolving deal pipeline.

What We’re Looking For

• 2–4 years of direct M&A execution experience, ideally gained within investment banking, a Big 4 corporate finance team, or a well-regarded advisory boutique with a strong transaction track record.
• Advanced technical skills, including fluency in valuation methodologies (DCF, LBO, public and precedent comps) and the ability to structure complex deal models; proficiency in Excel and PowerPoint is a must.
• A commercially oriented mindset, confident in engaging clients, challenging assumptions, and influencing decisions in high-stakes situations.
• Native-level German and fluent English are required; an international outlook and cross-cultural communication skills are highly valued.
• Strong academic credentials in finance, economics, business, or a quantitative/STEM discipline from a leading university.

What’s on Offer

• Hands-on exposure to 300+ transactions annually, with approximately 50% involving cross-border components spanning Europe, North America, and Asia.
• A seat at one of Germany’s most active mid-market advisory platforms, embedded in a globally integrated network with deep institutional investor connectivity.
• A flat organizational structure, offering immediate access to senior leadership, tangible responsibility, and a clear trajectory toward Vice President and beyond.
• A performance-driven culture that rewards initiative, client ownership, and deal origination, backed by the freedom to build and lead within the platform.
• Modern office in Frankfurt, with a collaborative and high-energy team environment built around transparency, trust, and long-term career development.