Insights from: an Investor - Dr Thomas Buehler of Valmaris Partners

What separates search funds from PE giants - and how can searchers win in succession deals? We sat down with Dr. Thomas Buehler of Valmaris Private Investors, a 37-year PE veteran who co-founded Afinum Management, raised €1.8 billion across seven funds, completed 100+ acquisitions, and invested in 95 search funds. Now channeling his expertise into dedicated ETA backing, Thomas shares battle-tested insights from screening 5,000 targets to close 300 deals. What makes this episode essential listening: a PE insider's view on ETA edges like instant CEO succession, avoiding emotional deal traps, and his own successful firm handover at 60.   In this episode, expect to take away knowledge of: The keys to acquisition success: growth companies, real sellers, and keeping alternatives alive (never 100% on one deal) Searcher advantages over PE: quick exits, small caps (€10-20M EV), and daily CEO commitment Valmaris' model: flexible investing in people with entrepreneurial spirit, full-journey support from cap tables to exits Investor advice: short PPMs, talk to searchers/investors, prioritize fit for the 7-10 year journey ETA's future: less cyclical succession wave, quality focus amid froth