Global professional services firm Alvarez & Marsal (A&M) continues its growth in France with the creation of a Valuation and Modelling business line (Valuation Services).With the launch of this new business line, A&M France now has 85 employees as of 1 January, 2020, a number which has grown from a team of 30 in October 2018. A&M France offers seven areas of expertise to companies and private equity players:
• Transaction Advisory Group
• Private Equity Services
• Corporate Transformation Services
• Financial Industry Advisory Services
• Disputes & Investigations
• Restructuring & Turnaround
• Valuation Services
Over the past 24 months, A&M has experienced strong growth in France, driven by the firm’s ability to distinguish itself in the market through historical expertise in the business transformation sector, which enables it to operate at a high pace, offering in depth insights; the seniority and operational skills of its teams; and a unique approach to consulting which prioritises providing clients with tangible results.
The development of the Valuation Services practice and its team will be led by Thomas Gounel, who has been appointed Managing Director.
Gounel holds an MSc degree in Engineering from the École des Mines and a Master of Management degree from ESSEC Business School. In a career spanning over 20 years, including various roles in the “Big Four” companies in Paris and New York, Gounel has built a wealth of experience and expertise in the field of transaction consulting and in particular in the valuation of companies and assets.
Experienced in conducting valuation and financial modelling assignments for transactional (mergers and acquisitions, independent appraisals, litigation), tax (internal reorganisation) and regulatory (business combinations, fair value measurement) purposes, Gounel has in-depth knowledge of the automotive, energy, infrastructure, manufacturing and transportation sectors. As an Adjunct Professor in finance at ESSEC, he also actively participates in think tanks focused on brands and technologies.
Richard Bibby, Managing Director and head of European Valuation Services practice, commented: “Our expertise in valuation and modelling is already recognized in several European countries. The arrival of Thomas Gounel reflects our ambition to establish ourselves in this field as a key player in the French market by capitalising on our European resources to help drive its growth.”
Antonio “Tony” Alvarez III, Managing Director and European Practice lead, says: “I am particularly pleased with Thomas’ arrival as it is a testament to our ability to attract the best talent in our profession. France is a key country for A&M and we are growing thanks to an offer whose originality and relevance has already been recognised by major companies and investment funds.”
Thomas Gounel, Managing Director, adds: “I am excited to join A&M and I am determined to bring to the French market the valuation and modelling expertise already established in other European countries. By offering a complete and differentiating offer that is part of a long-term relationship with its clients, A&M has strong potential for significant development in France.”
