
Robert Brown
Managing Director | Global CEO | GP-Director
Chicago Mergers & Acquisitions Business Services rbrown@lincolninternational.com +1 (312) 580-8340My goal is to inspire and motivate our people to make a true impact with their clients, their colleagues and their communities.
As Lincoln’s Global Chief Executive Officer and a key driver of the firm’s growth from its beginnings, Rob has been instrumental in building its global footprint and a highly desirable culture that prioritizes attracting, retaining and engaging top talent at all levels. As a connected leader within the firm, Rob works closely with Lincoln’s investment banking professionals to help them achieve success. He continues to focus on building long-term relationships with clients and prospects, achieving optimal results through his thoughtful, interpersonal and collaborative approach.
Rob has nearly 30 years of experience advising leading private equity groups, privately owned businesses and large public companies on divestitures, acquisitions and other strategic initiatives. Rob helped start Lincoln’s industrials and consumer practices and led the firm’s business services practice for more than a decade. Accordingly, Rob has a deep understanding of how to best position companies for sale, drive competitive processes and negotiate to successful closings.
As a recognized advisor and thought leader in the investment banking industry, Rob is a frequent guest on WBBM’s Noon Business Hour in Chicago and a speaker and author on mergers and acquisitions-related topics. Rob sits on the board of UNICEF USA and the Dean’s Business Council for the Gies School of Business at the University of Illinois. He is also President of the Board of Regents at Saint Ignatius College Prep in Chicago.
Prior to Lincoln, Rob worked at Price Waterhouse. His diverse experiences include management positions in Price Waterhouse’s investment banking subsidiary and the Transaction Services group.
Rob earned a Master of Business Administration from Columbia University Graduate School of Business and a Bachelor of Science from the University of Illinois. Rob is a certified public accountant (inactive).
Perspectives featuring Robert Brown

Five Ways ESG Will Alter PE-Backed Dealmaking in the Next Five Years
Under the pressure of the global pandemic, the push from shareholder to stakeholder capitalism crystalized. Company scrutiny came not only from traditional institutional investors like insurers, pensions and endowments —… Read More

Will Private Equity Activity in 2022 be as Robust as 2021?
Private equity (PE) has proven to be both stable and even resilient, despite economic uncertainty, as illustrated during the 2008 global financial crisis and the COVID-19 pandemic. During both events,… Read More

Halftime Report: How Dealmakers Can Make the Most of H2 2021
As global economies reopen post-pandemic, the investing community is busier than ever. Looking ahead to the second half of 2021, this is a prime moment for deals to get done.… Read More

Navigating the SPAC Explosion: Target Company Considerations When Contemplating a Sale to a SPAC
When the COVID-19 pandemic hit, the slowdown in mergers and acquisitions (M&A) was widespread. But as deal activity reemerged, one structure saw a resurgence beyond all expectations: special purpose acquisition… Read More
News & Media featuring Robert Brown

Lincoln International Signs Definitive Agreement to Acquire Spurrier Capital Partners
Lincoln International, a leading global investment banking advisory firm, today announced that it has signed a definitive agreement to acquire Spurrier Capital Partners (SCP), a technology and software-focused investment bank… Read More

Lincoln International Expands Expertise and Offering for Financial Institutions
Industry Experts Join Firm to Bolster Global M&A Advisory Capabilities Lincoln International, a leading global investment banking advisory firm, today announced the addition of three senior hires to strengthen and… Read More

Lincoln International Launches Private Funds Advisory
Lincoln International, a leading global investment banking advisory firm, today announced the launch of a new offering, Private Funds Advisory. The new group will advise and partner with private equity… Read More

Lincoln International Announces Managing Director Promotions 2021
Lincoln International, a global investment banking advisory firm, is pleased to announce the promotion of eleven professionals to Managing Director (MD), effective January 1, 2022. “The elevation of these impactful… Read More
Meet our Senior Team

I am enthusiastic about creating sustainable growth and the highest value for our clients, and strive to leave a positive footprint beyond any successful M&A transaction.
Friedrich Bieselt
Managing Director | Management Board Member
Frankfurt
I enjoy leading clients and realizing their objectives, while structuring solutions to issues that are both intriguing and challenging.
Øyvind Bjordal
Managing Director | Head of Switzerland
Zurich
Building long-term relationships is key for me personally – I want to be the advisor of trust for my clients.
Dr. Michael Drill
Managing Director | CEO Germany | Chairman of the Management Board
Frankfurt
My approach to building a relationship with each and every client begins and ends with trust. I want to be viewed as a true advisor, focused on our client’s long-term success.
Eric Malchow
Managing Director | CEO North America
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