Beechbrook Capital, a specialist direct lender, has appointed Peter Gottron as Investment Director, DACH, covering Germany, Austria and Switzerland. Gottron will be based in Frankfurt, establishing Beechbrook’s first office in Germany.
Gottron was previously head of corporate banking for Mainzer Volksbank and before that a director and head of acquisition finance, Germany, for Lloyds Bank International/Bank of Scotland in Frankfurt. He will join Beechbrook’s private debt team, originating and executing investments, as well as providing portfolio management support across the DACH region.
Beechbrook’s private debt fund provides loans to private-equity backed companies in the lower mid-market across the UK and northern Europe. It made two investments in Germany in 2018.
In January 2018, it supported the acquisition of Beinbauer Group by funds managed by H.I.G. Capital. Beinbauer is a leading provider of machined metal parts for trucks and off-highway commercial vehicles.
In September 2018, Beechbrook provided funding to support the buyout of Robert Bürkle by AUCTUS Capital Partners AG. Bürkle makes surface pressing and coating machinery for high-end applications, selling into approximately 70 markets.
Beechbrook partner Paul Shea says: “Our decision to open an office in Frankfurt reflects the importance we attach to the German market in supporting our future growth. We are delighted to have someone of Peter Gottron’s experience and breadth of connections to strengthen our origination and build on our recent successes in this market.”
Peter Gottron commented: “Beechbrook’s brand name, reputation and ambitious growth plans attracted me to the role. I am very excited to join the team and develop Beechbrook’s growing presence in direct lending in the lower mid-market in Germany.”
