Advent has been active in Germany for more than three decades, with Frankfurt serving as one of the firm’s core European hubs. Ranjan Sen, Managing Partner, reflects on how global collaboration shapes local strategy, why carve-outs remain a differentiator, and how Advent helps portfolio companies prepare for uncertainty in a shifting macro environment.
Advent opened its Frankfurt office in 1991. How has it evolved since then, and why is it such an important part of Advent’s global strategy?
Frankfurt is one of Advent’s core European offices. It was founded in 1991 and today covers all five of Advent’s global sectors. Germany’s industrial strength and diverse economy make it a vital hub, not just for European investing but also for supporting our portfolio companies as they expand internationally.
Can you elaborate on the power of Advent’s global network?
The beauty of the Advent model is that it combines local expertise with global strategy and reach. I benefit every day from the insights my colleagues generate in North America, Latin America, Asia, and elsewhere in Europe. That global knowledge helps us design better value creation plans here in Germany – making companies more agile, accelerating growth, and supporting international expansion.
How do you think about uncertainty in the current environment?
Macroeconomic uncertainty is something we expect to persist. Tariffs, cost inflation, geopolitical shocks – these are all real factors. We spend a lot of time stress-testing business models and modeling sensitivities so our portfolio companies are prepared. That helps management
teams react faster and build resilience, which in turn makes us a more valuable partner.
Carve-outs are a distinctive type of transaction. Why are they such a focus for Advent?
Carve-outs are a great fit for Advent’s strengths. They require speed, agility, and experience. Our global footprint combined with local expertise allows us to manage the complexity, set up the businesses independently, and then support their transformation and growth. It’s an area where our track record really sets us apart.
What makes Advent’s carve-out experience different from other investors?
One of our key differentiators is the ability to deliver carve-outs across borders. That means having boots on the ground locally, while also drawing on our global network to support the transition. It’s not just about executing the separation – it’s about helping the company thrive as a standalone business, with the right capital structure, the right operating model, and the right growth strategy.
How does digitalization feature in your work with portfolio companies?
Digitalization is a key driver. Whether it’s digitalizing service operations, leveraging AI to personalize offerings, or strengthening e-commerce and maintenance businesses, these are important levers for growth and customer value. It’s an area where our global expertise can really accelerate what German companies are already doing well.
Cross-sector collaboration is another theme you’ve mentioned. How does that work in practice?
Cross-sector work is second nature at Advent. Our five core sectors are in constant dialogue, and that exchange allows us to bring some of the best ideas to our portfolio companies. It’s about making those insights commercially relevant – whether we’re investing in industrials, consumer, healthcare, technology, or financial services.
Finally, what’s the best piece of advice you’ve received in your career?
Stay humble and curious. Advent is an environment where you can learn every day if you make it a habit to learn from every question, every challenge, and every opportunity. That mindset has been invaluable in my own career and is central to our culture as a firm.
