Mergers & Acquisitions
We provide end-to-end support for M&A processes in special situations – from a structured search for investors and the design of the transaction through to a successful closing. With extensive restructuring and transaction experience, we create transparent, fast and viable solutions for companies, investors and creditors.
CENTUROS once again among the Top 3 M&A advisors in the LSEG Global M&A Mid-Market Ranking 2025
We are delighted to once again rank among the top 3 M&A advisors in the Global M&A Mid-Market Advisory Ranking in the latest LSEG ranking for 2025.
Just as pleasing is the fact that we significantly increased our activity once more in 2025, successfully advising on a total of 41 transactions. This development is a strong signal of the dynamism of our market and, at the same time, a reflection of the trust our project partners place in us – for which we would like to express our sincere thanks.
Above all, this success is the result of a great team of more than 30 consultants across several locations. Just as crucial is our close, collaborative partnership with restructuring experts, investors, companies, and national and international financing partners.
We look forward to everything 2026 has in store!
In every phase of a business, M&A is a fundamentally important instrument for sustainable success
Distressed M&A (Buy Side & Sell Side)
In a period of upheaval, bringing an investor into the group of shareholders or an exit is often a promising way to secure the company’s future. In such cases, speed and balancing the interests of the individual stakeholders are key factors for a successful transaction. CENTUROS holds a market-leading position in this highly specialized segment and has carried out a large number of company sales on both the sell side and the buy side, across a wide range of industries and at every stage of distress.
Buying & selling companies
Corporate transactions are an important part of a company’s strategic development. CENTUROS supports you in buying or selling companies – not only in periods of upheaval. We support you in this important step and have excellent references and an outstanding network.
Succession planning
Successfully handing over a company to the next generation is one of the central – and often most complex – issues for mid-sized companies. In the worst case, an unresolved succession can threaten the very existence of the company. We have provided conceptual support to numerous business families in successfully implementing succession solutions, realizing various internal and external solutions together with entrepreneurs (e.g. MBO, MBI, exits).
Carve-outs
A company’s strategic realignment can lead to the sale of non-strategic business units or subsidiaries. We have successfully helped shape numerous carve-outs. The proceeds from these transactions can in turn be a key source of financing for a company’s strategic development.
Company valuation
A well-founded company valuation forms the basis for successful transactions, strategic decisions and changes under corporate law. CENTUROS supports you in the objective valuation of companies and shareholdings – whether for purchase or sale processes, succession arrangements or internal decision-making. In doing so, we combine financial analysis with market understanding and develop transparent and robust valuation approaches.
Fairness opinion
In complex corporate transactions, an independent fairness opinion creates transparency and certainty for shareholders, management and decision-making bodies. CENTUROS assesses the financial appropriateness of planned transactions on the basis of recognized valuation methods and comprehensive market analyses. Our assessments support well-founded decision-making and help evaluate transactions objectively and transparently.
In distressed M&A projects, speed is the decisive factor
Depending on the complexity of the target, M&A transactions usually take between 6 and 9 months. In periods of upheaval, the M&A process has to be completed much faster. The time available for the transaction process depends to a large extent on the availability of the liquid funds required to keep the business running.
In insolvency proceedings in particular, there are basically three exit options (transferring restructuring, insolvency plan, liquidation), whose economic and legal limits and possibilities should be taken into account and weighed against each other in the transaction process. CENTUROS has extensive restructuring and transaction experience and can therefore support the structured and successful execution of such transactions.
Top positions in rankings
CENTUROS regularly ranks at the top of industry rankings as a financial advisor for sell-side M&A transactions in insolvency situations.
With more than 30 consultants at four locations in Germany, CENTUROS has a powerful structure that allows it to successfully carry out processes at very short notice.
LSEG - Global M&A Mid-Market Advisory Ranking 2025
Financial Advisor | Number of Deals | Rank |
|---|---|---|
PricewaterhouseCoopers | 43 | 1 |
Clairfield International | 42 | 2 |
CENTUROS | 41 | 3 |
Houlihan Lokey | 39 | 4 |
Carlsquare GmbH | 32 | 5 |
IMAP | 30 | 6 |
Rothschild & Co | 30 | 6 |
Globalscope | 28 | 8 |
Lincoln International | 28 | 8 |
WAYES | 26 | 10 |
Source: London Stock Exchange Data & Analytics (formerly Thomson Reuters)
LSEG - Global M&A Small-Cap Advisory Ranking 2024
Financial Advisor | Number of Deals | Rank |
|---|---|---|
PricewaterhouseCoopers | 40 | 1 |
CENTUROS | 36 | 2 |
Syntra Corporate Finance | 35 | 3 |
IMAP | 32 | 4 |
BDO | 30 | 5 |
Houlihan Lokey | 28 | 6 |
Oaklins | 27 | 7 |
Saxenhammer & Co Corporate | 27 | 7 |
Baker Tilly International | 26 | 9 |
Benchmark International | 25 | 10 |
Source: London Stock Exchange Data & Analytics (formerly Thomson Reuters)
Centuros is the proven specialist for distressed M&A
We have extensive restructuring and turnaround expertise, which makes the transaction process equally transparent with regard to existing restructuring approaches from the perspective of investors and of insolvency administrators/creditors. The key drivers of success in the M&A process are the rapid identification of potential investors in Germany and abroad, and the targeted structuring and execution of the transaction process in light of time constraints, industry-specific characteristics and insolvency-specific conditions.
Well connected. Cross-industry. Targeted.
The success of an M&A transaction depends crucially on the right contacts and a targeted approach. CENTUROS has a strong network of entrepreneurs, investors, financing partners and specialized market participants. Thanks to our broad connections and in-depth market knowledge, we provide access to relevant decision-makers and potential buyers or partners.
We support companies from a wide range of industries and develop individual solutions tailored to the market, situation and objectives. In this way, we create the best conditions for successful and sustainable transactions.
Finding solutions together
Simply contact us directly and we will find a solution
for your company.
A structured M&A process makes particular sense when additional capital, strategic know-how or a new group of shareholders is needed. Especially in special situations, the right partner can create stability and open up new prospects.
We provide support from strategic preparation and the identification of and approach to suitable investors through to structuring and negotiating the transaction. The goal is an efficient, transparent and legally sound closing.
Based on a thorough analysis of the company’s situation, we define a clear target profile. Through our reliable network and a structured approach, we specifically identify investors or strategic partners who fit the situation at hand.
Discretion is our top priority. All information is provided within clearly defined processes and under confidentiality agreements in order to protect company value and market position.
The duration depends on complexity, company size and market conditions. A structured process usually takes several months – in special situations, an accelerated approach may be required.
Independent support ensures objective assessment, professional process management and confidence in negotiations. At the same time, internal resources are spared and the chances of a sustainable transaction are significantly increased.