Axcel’s entry into Germany marks the firm’s first step outside the Nordics, positioning it to capture investment opportunities across Germany, Austria and Switzerland (DACH). With Jan-Nicolas Garbe at the helm, Axcel is establishing a subsidiary with a dedicated investment team in Frankfurt, complementing its offices in Copenhagen and Stockholm. This strategic move not only opens the door to new investments across the region, but also enhances Axcel’s ability to support its Nordic companies as they grow in these markets.
For the past 30 years, Axcel has focused on mid-market Nordic-headquartered companies within four key sectors: Technology, Business services & Industrials, Healthcare and Consumer. The firm has an extensive track record of investments in companies with significant growth potential, with a particular strength in sourcing proprietary transactions involving families or founders. Following the successful close of its seventh fund at the increased hard cap of EUR 1.3 billion earlier this year, Axcel is now broadening its investment focus to include mid-market companies in the DACH region.
“We’ve been investing in the DACH region for several years, supporting our Nordic portfolio companies through M&A activities. Now, we’re excited to establish a German subsidiary with a dedicated team, enabling us to more effectively pursue investments in this region, bring our collaborative and Nordic-style approach to these markets and continue delivering lasting value to our investors,” says Managing Partner at Axcel Christian Schmidt-Jacobsen. “Jan-Nicolas’s extensive private equity experience, leadership skills and network make him a strong fit to lead our efforts here, and we’re delighted to welcome him to Axcel’s partner team.”
Jan-Nicolas Garbe brings more than a decade of private equity and strategic leadership experience to Axcel. At Cinven, he played a key role in several high-profile transactions in the Business services, Industrials and Healthcare sectors, including landmark German deals such as STADA and TK Elevator.
“I’m excited about this unique opportunity to join Axcel’s partner team and lead the firm’s entry into Germany”, says Jan-Nicolas Garbe, Partner at Axcel and Managing Director of Axcel Advisory GmbH. “Axcel’s heritage and track record of building successful Nordic businesses are widely recognised. I look forward to establishing a local team to bring Axcel’s proven value creation approach to the DACH region.”
Axcel’s German office will be operational by 1 November 2024, and a full investment team, which will source and advise on investment opportunities across the region, is expected to be in place over the coming months. Axcel already owns several portfolio companies with operations in Germany and beyond, including emagine, The Nutriment Company, Vetopia, NTI and itm8.