Lincoln International Expands into Italy via Acquisition of Rondelli Advisers

Lincoln International, a leading, global mid-market investment bank, announced today an expansion into Italy with the acquisition of the majority of the advisory unit of Rondelli Advisers (“Rondelli Advisers”), an M&A advisory firm based in Milan, Italy. Saverio Rondelli, Managing Director, has been appointed CEO for Lincoln in Italy and will lead the new office (“Lincoln-Italy”). Mr. Rondelli will be supported by a team of six other investment bankers. Occurring immediately after Lincoln International’s acquisition of an M&A advisory team in Brazil earlier this month, the firm’s expansion into the Italian market represents another significant addition for Lincoln International’s global footprint. With more than 300 investment bankers globally, Lincoln International is established with a strong presence in the key global economies, now with 15 offices in 13 countries in Asia, Europe, North and South America.

Rondelli Advisers was founded by Saverio Rondelli in 2006. Since its founding, Rondelli Advisers has grown to become a preeminent mid-market M&A advisor within the Italian market advising on many notable transactions over the last seven years including Candover’s acquisition of Ferretti Group (EV of €1.7bn) from Permira and Investcorp and Barclays Private Equity’s acquisition of N&W Global Vending (EV of €800m), among others. Saverio Rondelli brings nearly 25 years of corporate finance and cross-border M&A experience with such firms as West LB AG, where he headed the Italian M&A practice, Citigroup (ex- Schroder Salomon Smith Barney), and UBS.

Jim Lawson, Chairman of Lincoln International, commented, “Italy is an important global market, and with the acquisition of Rondelli Advisers we were able to acquire a team of high quality, experienced investment bankers who can help facilitate additional cross-border activity between Italian clients and the clients currently served by the rest of the Lincoln International organization.”

Mr. Rondelli commented, “The combination of Rondelli Advisers and Lincoln International is a win-win for both parties. Lincoln International’s fully-integrated global platform is unique to the mid-market and creates an unparalleled opportunity for our clients. The Rondelli Advisers team is excited to become part of Lincoln International and to now be part of a globally integrated M&A advisory business.”

Lincoln International will offer unique advisory services to Italian clients, including private equity firms, public companies, and privately-held companies, by leveraging its very active mid-market M&A practices in Asia, Europe and North and South America. Lincoln International’s global footprint has produced tangible benefits for its clients as over one-half of the firm’s completed transactions have been cross-border during the last five years.

In addition to Saverio Rondelli, joining Lincoln International from Rondelli Advisers is a team of three senior, experienced officers. Filippo Lardera joins as a Managing Director, bringing more than 20 years of investment banking experience, including positions at UBS and GE Capital. Michele Nataloni also joins as a Director, with 10 years of investment banking experience at Rondelli Advisers and West LB. Riccardo Bariola joins as a Vice President after working in the M&A department of ING.

Federico Mennella, Managing Director of Lincoln International, said, “We have been working with Saverio and his team on a number of transactions during the past several years. We are very impressed with their dedication, professionalism, and extensive contacts across various industries.”

Friedrich Bieselt, a board member of Lincoln-Italy and a member of the Management Board of Lincoln International in Germany said, “We have been looking to build an organization in Italy for a number of years, but we were waiting until we found exactly the right team. Saverio Rondelli, Filippo Lardera, Michele Nataloni, and Riccardo Bariola are that team and we are certain that they will be a strong asset to Lincoln International and the clients we serve.”

About Lincoln International

Lincoln International specializes in merger and acquisition advisory services, debt advisory services, private capital raising and restructuring advice on mid-market transactions. Lincoln International also provides fairness opinions, valuations and pension advisory services on a wide range of transaction sizes. With fifteen offices in the Americas, Asia and Europe, Lincoln International has strong local knowledge and contacts in key global economies. The firm provides clients with senior-level attention, in-depth industry expertise and integrated resources. By being focused and independent, Lincoln International serves its clients without conflicts of interest. More information about Lincoln International can be obtained at www.lincolninternational.com