Ashurst has successfully advised Houlihan Lokey Germany AG on acquiring the European Real Estate Capital Advisory business from Mellum Capital GmbH. This strategic move allows Houlihan Lokey to enhance its Real Estate Capital Advisory services across Europe and brings valuable expertise through the integration of Mellum’s team.
The transaction includes all assets related to Mellum’s European Real Estate Capital Advisory operations. Notably, the two managing directors of Mellum, Heinrich Hauß and Markus Reule, will join Houlihan Lokey as part of the agreement. This acquisition reflects Houlihan Lokey’s commitment to strengthening its position in the European real estate market.
Legal Expertise and Support
Ashurst provided extensive legal guidance throughout the acquisition process. The team was led by partner Florian Hirschmann, specializing in Private Equity, along with Dr. Matthias Annweiler, Counsel in the same field, both based in Munich. They were supported by a diverse group of professionals, including:
– Tino Duttinè (Partner, Tax)
– Andreas Mauroschat (Partner, Employment)
– Miriam Staatz (Counsel, Tax)
– Lukas Müller (Counsel, Employment)
– Juditha von der Heydt (Counsel, Employment)
– Vida Malakooti-Dehkordy (Associate, Private Equity)
– Dr. Issouf Sako (Associate, Private Equity)
– Johanna Kunze (Associate, Employment)
– Robin Meier (Associate, Tax)
– Melissa Sinik (Associate, Tax)
The London office also contributed significantly to the deal, with partners including Philip Linton (Disputes & Investigations), Nicholas Gardner (Tax), Ruth Buchanan (Employment), and others providing specialized legal support.
Strategic Implications in Real Estate Advisory
This acquisition is expected to bolster Houlihan Lokey’s capabilities in real estate advisory services, marking a significant step forward in its strategic growth. By integrating the expertise of Mellum’s leadership team, Houlihan Lokey aims to broaden its service offerings and strengthen its market presence in Europe.
The transaction underscores a growing trend among financial advisory firms to consolidate expertise and enhance service delivery in competitive sectors such as real estate. With this acquisition, Houlihan Lokey is poised to leverage new opportunities and continue its expansion within the European market.
As the financial landscape evolves, such strategic acquisitions will likely play a pivotal role in shaping the future of real estate capital advisory services.
