In a significant strategic move to bolster its European private equity capabilities, global investment bank Houlihan Lokey has recruited a senior deal maker from Mayfair Equity Partners. The appointment signals the firm's commitment to expanding its foothold in the competitive private equity landscape.
Senior Talent Acquisition Strengthens European Operations
Andrew Bertie, who previously served as a director at Mayfair Equity Partners, has joined Houlihan Lokey as a managing director within its European private equity coverage team. Bertie brings substantial experience from his tenure at Mayfair, where he played a pivotal role in the firm's investment activities across the consumer and technology sectors.
During his time at Mayfair Equity Partners, Bertie was instrumental in executing several high-profile deals and worked closely with portfolio companies to drive growth strategies. His expertise in the consumer sector, particularly in food and beverage investments, adds considerable depth to Houlihan Lokey's existing capabilities.
Strategic Expansion in Private Equity Coverage
The recruitment forms part of Houlihan Lokey's broader initiative to enhance its private equity services across Europe. The investment bank has been systematically building its European presence, recognising the region's growing importance in global private equity activity.
Houlihan Lokey's European private equity coverage team focuses on developing relationships with private equity firms and providing them with strategic advisory services, including mergers and acquisitions guidance and capital raising support. Bertie's appointment significantly strengthens the team's ability to serve clients in the mid-market segment, where competition for quality assets remains intense.
The timing of this hire reflects increasing activity in the European private equity market, despite broader economic uncertainties. Industry observers note that experienced professionals with strong track records in private equity are becoming increasingly valuable as firms seek to navigate complex market conditions.
Industry Implications and Future Outlook
This move represents the ongoing talent war between investment banks and private equity firms, with traditional banks increasingly looking to recruit professionals who possess direct experience within the private equity world. Bertie's transition from the buy-side to the sell-side underscores this trend.
Houlihan Lokey's strategic hiring comes at a time when private equity firms in Europe are sitting on substantial amounts of dry powder, necessitating expert advisory services for both acquisitions and exits. The bank's enhanced private equity coverage team positions it to capture more advisory mandates from general partners seeking to deploy capital or realise investments.
Industry analysts suggest that this appointment could prompt similar moves from competing investment banks, potentially leading to further musical chairs within London's financial services sector. The concentration of private equity expertise in London continues to make it a key battleground for financial talent.
As Houlihan Lokey integrates its new senior hire, market watchers will be observing how this strengthened private equity capability translates into deal flow and market share gains in the increasingly competitive European advisory landscape.
