Peakside Capital Advisors has agreed to be sold to DWS

Peakside Capital Advisors

Peakside Capital Advisors is a specialist European real estate investment manager focused on value-add and opportunistic real estate investments across Germany and Central and Eastern Europe. Headquartered in Zug, Switzerland, with offices in Frankfurt, Warsaw, Munich and Luxembourg, the firm manages more than €1.7 billion of assets under management, primarily on behalf of institutional investors. Peakside pursues a private equity-style investment approach across commercial and residential real estate, including individual assets, portfolios, development opportunities, distressed debt and real estate operating companies. Since inception, the firm has acquired approximately €4.8 billion of real estate assets on behalf of its investors.

The Deal

Lincoln International served as exclusive sell-side advisor to Peakside Capital Advisors and its shareholders on the transaction. DWS has agreed to acquire 100% of Peakside from its shareholders, led by founders and Managing Partners Stefan Aumann and Boris Schran. The transaction represents a strategic combination of Peakside’s specialist real estate investment capabilities with DWS’ broader global asset management platform. For DWS, the acquisition strengthens its Alternatives platform by adding established value-add and opportunistic real estate expertise, with particular depth in Germany and Central and Eastern Europe. For Peakside, the combination provides access to DWS’ global institutional client relationships, distribution capabilities and broader investment platform, supporting the continued development of the business. Peakside’s current owners Stefan Aumann, Boris Schran and Simon Lutz, together with senior management team members Frank Schäfer and Karol Maziukiewicz, will remain with the business following completion, supporting continuity for clients, investors and employees. The transaction is expected to close by year-end 2026, subject to regulatory approvals and other customary closing conditions. Financial terms were not disclosed.

Our Perspective

This transaction underscores the strategic value of specialist alternative investment managers with differentiated capabilities, strong investment track records and deep sector expertise. Global asset managers continue to look for high-quality private markets businesses that can broaden their investment capabilities and provide exposure to attractive long-term growth areas. Peakside has built a highly regarded European real estate investment platform, underpinned by a strong team, an established brand, differentiated investment expertise and a proven track record across value-add and opportunistic strategies. DWS provides a compelling strategic home for the business, combining the scale and reach of a global asset manager with Peakside’s specialist capabilities and entrepreneurial culture. Lincoln is proud to have advised Peakside and its shareholders on this important transaction.

DWS Group

DWS Group is a leading European asset manager with global reach and €1.19 trillion of assets under management as of June 30, 2026. With approximately 5,000 employees globally, DWS provides investment solutions across Active, Passive and Alternative asset management for individuals, institutions and corporate clients.

Share: