ACF Investment Bank opens German outpost, taps Bernd Wendeln to lead Euro expansion 

M&A advisory specialist ACF Investment Bank is launching a Munich-based office as it looks to capitalise on dealmaking opportunities it sees in Germany, the wider DACH region and across Europe.

Bernd Wendeln

The company, whose main bases are Los Angeles and London, has appointed veteran media and entertainment dealmaker Bernd Wendeln to lead its efforts in Germany in the role of head of M&A, Europe.

Munich-based Wendeln was most recently the head of M&A at Verge Group and before that was chief operating officer at Your Family Entertainment, in addition to holding senior M&A and corporate development roles at Tele München Group (now part of Mediawan/Leonine), and ProSiebenSat.1 Media AG.

ACF said the launch of the German office marks a “significant milestone” in its European growth strategy and underscores its desire to expand its presence in “one of Europe’s most dynamic and influential markets.” The company added that Wendeln will play a key role in expanding its footprint across the continent.

ACF CEO Thomas Dey called Germany a “cornerstone market” for its next phase of growth. “With our existing relationships, sector expertise, and new local leadership, we are ideally positioned to provide clients with deeper market insights, innovative financial solutions, and a global platform to achieve their ambitions,” he added.

Wendeln said: “ACF’s entrepreneurial spirit, deep industry relationships, and commitment to execution make it the ideal platform to help European clients navigate complex transactions and accelerate growth through access to global investors.”

The expansion into Germany comes almost four months after ACF announced the launch of a New York office headed up by Jason Rejebian. The geographic expansion comes less than two years after ACF sold a majority stake to American merchant bank Forest Road Company, giving it access to new sources of capital and relationships with investors. Deals overseen by ACF this year include the sale of UK-based See-Saw Films to France’s Mediawan.

“There has been a significant uptick in deals and buyers in Europe. With dedicated local teams now covering Europe, the UK and the USA, ACF is well placed to assist clients with buying, selling and fundraising opportunities,” said Dey.