Investment Associate - Private Equity/Mid-Market

About the Role and Organization

We are partnering with a prominent independent mid-market private equity firm based in Munich, managing approximately EUR 3 billion across five fund generations. The firm has successfully backed more than 40 platform companies and over 140 add-on acquisitions. It fosters a partnership-driven and entrepreneurial culture that offers considerable deal flow, early responsibility, and clear career progression for ambitious candidates. The firm invests equity amounts ranging from EUR 100 million to EUR 250 million into profitable Mittelstand growth enterprises across Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. Key sectors include Business Services, Healthcare, Industrial Technologies, and IT/Software, with a strong emphasis on buy-and-build strategies. The investment team is lean and consists of senior professionals with backgrounds in private equity, investment banking, consulting, and industry, encouraging Associates to work closely with Partners without excessive hierarchy. The firm prioritizes partnership, trust, sustainable long-term value creation, and has generated thousands of jobs across its portfolio.

Key Responsibilities

• Assist in all phases of the investment process including deal sourcing, screening, due diligence, deal structuring, execution, and portfolio value enhancement through to eventual exit.
• Develop, maintain, and manage complex financial models, such as leveraged buyout (LBO), valuation, and scenario analyses.
• Lead commercial, financial, and market due diligence efforts, working closely with advisory firms and portfolio company management teams.
• Prepare detailed investment memoranda and materials for investment committee review, offering well-rounded assessments on risk, returns, and opportunities for value creation.
• Evaluate buy-and-build strategies and assist in the implementation of add-on acquisitions within portfolio companies.
• Monitor portfolio companies’ performance, key performance indicators (KPIs), and strategic initiatives alongside senior partners and management.
• Support deal sourcing and foster relationships with advisory firms, intermediaries, and management teams throughout the DACH region.

Candidate Profile and Requirements

• Between 2 and 4 years of pertinent experience in private equity, leading investment banking, or top-tier strategy consulting environments.
• Exceptional financial modeling and analytical capabilities combined with strong commercial insight.
• Keen interest in the German-speaking mid-market business landscape and a commitment to nurturing companies for sustainable growth.
• Strong academic qualifications in finance, economics, business, or closely related disciplines.
• Fluency in both German and English is mandatory due to the regional focus and frequent direct communication with management teams.
• A proactive self-starter exhibiting entrepreneurial spirit, integrity, and the maturity to take full ownership of responsibilities.