Schubert & Westhoff Corporate Finance, often abbreviated as S&W, is a German independent financial advisory firm specializing in mergers & acquisitions (M&A), debt advisory, and restructuring. They operate primarily within the German-speaking DACH region (Germany, Austria, and Switzerland), providing strategic and tactical advice to a range of clients from medium-sized enterprises (Mittelstand) to large corporations and private equity firms.
A key strength of S&W lies in its deep understanding of the German Mittelstand. These companies, often family-owned and deeply rooted in their local economies, present unique challenges and opportunities in M&A transactions. S&W’s advisors possess the cultural sensitivity and language skills necessary to navigate these intricacies effectively. They emphasize building long-term relationships based on trust and a thorough understanding of their clients’ businesses, goals, and values.
In M&A advisory, Schubert & Westhoff assists clients on both the buy-side and sell-side. On the buy-side, they help companies identify and evaluate potential acquisition targets, conduct due diligence, negotiate transaction terms, and secure financing. On the sell-side, they advise on preparing companies for sale, identifying potential buyers, managing the auction process, and maximizing shareholder value. Their expertise covers a wide range of industries, including industrial manufacturing, technology, healthcare, and consumer goods.
Debt advisory is another core area of S&W’s expertise. They advise companies on optimizing their capital structure, raising debt financing, and managing their existing debt obligations. Their services include arranging bank loans, private placements, and other forms of debt financing. They leverage their strong relationships with banks, institutional investors, and private debt funds to secure favorable terms for their clients.
Restructuring advisory is a critical service offered by S&W, particularly in times of economic uncertainty. They help companies facing financial distress to develop and implement restructuring plans to improve their financial performance and avoid insolvency. Their services include financial modeling, cash flow forecasting, operational improvement analysis, and negotiation with creditors.
Unlike some larger investment banks, Schubert & Westhoff prides itself on its independence and lack of conflicts of interest. This allows them to provide unbiased advice that is solely focused on their clients’ best interests. The firm’s structure fosters a collaborative environment where senior professionals are directly involved in every transaction, providing clients with access to experienced and dedicated advisors.
S&W’s success is rooted in their experienced team, in-depth industry knowledge, and commitment to delivering customized solutions that meet the specific needs of each client. They are known for their meticulous approach, strong negotiation skills, and dedication to achieving successful outcomes for their clients in the complex world of corporate finance.