Managing partner

Helge Rau

Education:
Trained as a banker, Helge studied at Witten-Herdecke University (Dipl.-oec.) and Stanford University, USA (visiting scholar).

Professional career:

  • M&A and corporate finance advisory in Frankfurt and Bremen
  • Head of M&A at a leading international developer of wind farms
  • Head of M&A and Finance at an international offshore wind developer (private equity backed)

Over the course of his career, Helge Rau has successfully advised on more than 70 M&A and financing transactions with a total volume exceeding EUR 10 billion.

Selected project examples:

Structuring and implementation of a complex refinancing process involving a large banking club and international equity sponsors. Tasks included management of the investor committee, development of refinancing solutions, corporate and tax structuring, leading the negotiations (banks & sponsors), as well as the management of the various external advisors. The successful refinancing secured the completion of one of the largest wind farm projects in Asia.

Sale of various wind farm projects and portfolios (total volume > 1 GW) in different jurisdictions to energy suppliers and infrastructure investors. Due to the professional preparation and structuring of the processes and the targeted approach to investors, optimal results (sales proceeds, contractual conditions) were achieved and a large investor network was established.

Supporting the due diligence and purchase negotiations for a medium-sized client in the acquisition of a specialist in the communications/aerospace sector. Profitability calculations and advising the entrepreneur during the due diligence and purchase negotiations up to the completion of the transaction.

Supporting a start-up in the bioenergy/algae sector (university spin-off) in its raising of growth capital. Approaching private equity houses, family offices and business angels.

Sale of a mechanical engineering company in a difficult economic situation to a private equity house. Optimization of the transaction result through a competitive process. Management participation by way of an MBO.

Minority shareholding in an international project developer by one of the largest German utilities. Development of an integrated financial model for valuation purposes, preparation and support of the due diligence process, support in contract negotiations and drafting of documentation.

Sale of a specialty vehicle manufacturer to a well-known, medium-sized industrial company on behalf of a private equity firm. Preparation of the sales process, approachof investors, organization and support of due diligence.

Structuring an MBO for the managing director of a company in the nutritional supplements sector. Development of debt financing structure and support in discussions with banks. Valuation and negotiation of the purchase price with the seller (private equity house).

Financing of one of the first German offshore wind projects. Approaching, negotiating and executing the transaction with a club of international co-sponsors (strategic and infrastructure investors).

Sale of a strategic Airbus supplier to a well-known German industrial company. Preparation of sales documentation, broad approach of potential investors, due diligence and contract negotiations. Optimization of the transaction result through a structured, competitive process.