John Brown
Member
Houlihan Lokey expands European capabilities with deals by announcing two strategic transactions that broaden its footprint and enhance service range across the Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA) region including a controlling interest in Audere Partners and the acquisition of the real estate capital advisory business of Mellum Capital, accelerating the global investment bank's growth in corporate finance and capital solutions.
The dual moves, revealed on January 20, 2026, reflect Houlihan Lokey's ongoing commitment to scaling its presence in Europe by strengthening its advice across mid-market corporate finance and expanding sector-focused capabilities, particularly within real estate and cross-border strategic advisory.
Audere Partners Investment Strengthens Advisory in France
Under one of the transactions, Houlihan Lokey secured a controlling interest in Audere Partners, a well-regarded French corporate finance boutique previously operating under the Natixis Partners brand. This step significantly enhances the firm's mid-cap advisory platform in France, now a priority market, by bringing in a seasoned team of professionals with deep local expertise to support clients ranging from financial sponsors to entrepreneurial enterprises.Following the integration, Audere's senior leadership and advisory professionals are expected to continue serving clients under the Houlihan Lokey banner, adding considerable depth to the firm's European corporate finance franchise and boosting its advisory talent pool in one of the region's most dynamic markets.
Real Estate Capital Advisory Acquisition Broadens Client Solutions
The second transaction expands Houlihan Lokey's capital solutions capabilities by acquiring the real estate capital advisory business of Mellum Capital, which operates from strategic locations in Munich and London. Mellum Capital has built a strong reputation for advising financial institutions, investors and corporates on equity investments, debt placements, structured finance, liability management and tailored strategic advisory services.Under the deal, founding partners Heinrich Hauss and Markus Reule join Houlihan Lokey as Managing Directors, leading the enhanced real estate advisory offering in Europe and integrating their team into the firm's broader Capital Solutions Group strengthening cross-border expertise and expanding strategic advisory services across the capital structure.
Strategic Impact and Market Positioning
By expanding both its advisory and capital solutions capabilities within Europe, Houlihan Lokey continues to build on a decade of targeted growth in the region combining local market knowledge with its global reach to provide comprehensive, differentiated services to clients. Leadership emphasizes that these deals not only deepen its industry expertise but also provide richer, more integrated solutions to corporate, sponsor and investor clients across key European markets.As the firm strengthens its presence in France, Germany, the United Kingdom and beyond, these strategic moves are expected to bolster Houlihan Lokey's position as a leading independent advisor capable of navigating complex, cross-border transactions in an increasingly dynamic financial landscape.
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