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**Houlihan Lokey Broadens European Capabilities Through Strategic Acquisitions**
Global investment bank Houlihan Lokey, Inc. has announced two significant transactions aimed at expanding its European platform and enhancing its global corporate finance capabilities. The firm has agreed to acquire a controlling interest in French corporate finance firm Audere Partners, currently operating under the Natixis Partners brand. In a separate transaction, Houlihan Lokey has acquired the real estate capital advisory business of Mellum Capital, which has offices 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 brings a strong reputation in the French mid-cap advisory market, primarily serving financial sponsors, entrepreneurs, and family-owned businesses. The firm’s senior leadership, including Patrick Maurel who founded and led the team, will join Houlihan Lokey as part of the transaction.
Mellum Capital, founded in 2021 as a spin-out from Brookfield Financial, has established itself as a reputable advisor to financial institutions, investors, and corporates. The firm specializes in equity investments, debt placements, structured finance, liability management, and strategic advisory services in the real estate sector. Mellum Capital’s founding partners, Heinrich Hauss and Markus Reule, have joined Houlihan Lokey as managing directors within the Capital Solutions group, where they will lead the firm’s real estate capital advisory offerings in Europe.
These acquisitions mark a continued strategic push by Houlihan Lokey to solidify its presence in key European markets and further elevate its services across the corporate finance landscape.
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