This article explores the investment banking landscape in Poland, focusing on the different types of firms and their areas of expertise. While global and commercial banks offer a wide range of services, specialized M&A advisors provide hands-on support with personalized solutions – particularly valuable in highly technical sectors like IT services and software.
Investment Banking Services in Poland
Whether you’re buying or selling a business, partnering with the right advisor in Poland can be a game-changer. The right financial advisor can help you close deals faster, improve your chances of success, and secure better terms. With M&A activity steadily increasing in Poland in recent years, the advisory landscape has grown significantly. International firms have established a strong presence, alongside global investment banks, commercial banks, and specialized boutique M&A advisors. As a founder, navigating this growing landscape and identifying the best advisor for your needs can feel overwhelming. In this article, we’ll guide you through choosing the right advisor based on your company’s size, industry, and service requirements.
What is an Investment Bank?
First of all, what is an Investment Bank? Investment banking covers a wide range of financial services, including capital raising, mergers and acquisitions (M&A), securities trading and leveraged finance. Unlike retail banking, which caters to individual consumers, investment banks focus on businesses, institutional investors, and governments. They play a key role in shaping financial markets by offering strategic advice, financing solutions, and risk management services.
Key Segments of Investment Banking
Investment banking can be divided into four core areas, each serving distinct needs:
1) Equity Capital Markets
ECM services involve helping companies raise capital through equity issuance, including initial public offerings (IPOs), secondary offerings, and private placements. Large corporations and startups seeking growth capital often rely on ECM specialists to access investors and optimize their market entry strategy. In Poland, many companies choose to list their shares on the Warsaw Stock Exchange to attract both local and international investors.
2) Mergers & Acquisitions
M&A advisory services include assisting businesses in buying, selling, or merging with other companies. This segment requires deep industry knowledge, valuation expertise, and negotiation skills to structure deals that maximize shareholder value. M&A professionals help clients navigate complex transactions, from initial due diligence to closing.
3) Sales & Trading
Investment banks also act as market markers by engaging in trading financial instruments such as stocks, bonds, and derivatives. Market makers provide liquidity by facilitating the buying and selling of securities, ensuring efficient market operations. Many investment banks also run proprietary trading desks, where they take positions to capitalize on market opportunities.
4) Leveraged Finance
Leveraged finance involves providing significant debt capital to fund acquisitions or buyouts, often for higher-risk companies. Investment banks assist acquirers, typically private equity firms, in securing debt through high-yield bonds, direct lending, or syndicated loans. These deals rely on the target’s assets or future cash flow as collateral, making leveraged finance a key component of M&A transactions.
International Investment Banks in Poland
Several international investment banks have established a presence in Poland due to the growing number of large transactions in the region, particularly in the technology sector.
- Rothschild & Co – Specializes in M&A and restructuring services
- Santander Corporate & Investment Banking – Offers M&A advisory, capital markets, and structured finance services
- J.P. Morgan – Provides M&A, asset management, and trading solutions
These firms bring global expertise and access to international capital markets, playing a key role in major transactions in Poland.
Domestic Investment Banks in Poland
Several Polish financial institutions provide investment banking services tailored to regional clients. These banks offer a broad range of services including corporate finance, capital markets, and advisory for both private and public sector clients. Notable players include:
- Pekao Investment Banking – Primarily a commercial bank, but with a dedicated investment banking arm providing corporate finance, debt and equity capital market solutions, and structured products
- mBank – A commercial bank that offers investment banking services, including ECM, DCM, and corporate advisory
- Trigon – An independent Polish financial group offering investment banking services, specializing in advisory for institutional clients
These banks provide deep local expertise and strong relationships with domestic businesses and regulators, making them key players in the Polish financial market.
Specialized M&A Boutiques
Beyond global investment banks and commercial banks with investment banking divisions, specialized M&A advisory firms focus on specific industries and deal types. These firms offer tailored advisory services, leveraging deep sector knowledge.
Aventis Advisors is one such firm, specializing in M&A advisory for the technology sector, with a focus on software and IT services. Unlike generalist investment banks that spread their attention across various industries, specialized tech boutiques offer a deep understanding of market dynamics, valuation trends, and strategic buyers specific to the sector. This industry focus enables boutiques M&A advisors to:
- Identify and engage the most relevant acquirers and investors
- Structure transactions to maximize value for clients
- Provide strategic guidance tailored to the unique challenges and opportunities in the software and IT services sector
Choosing the Right Investment Banking Partner in Poland
When selecting an advisor, it’s important to match the advisor’s expertise with your specific needs. Large corporations with multinational operations benefit most from the global reach and broad services of international investment banks. For businesses looking for a mix of corporate finance and lending, commercial banks provide the right fit. For small to mid-sized companies considering an exit or international buyers aiming to acquire in Poland, a specialized M&A advisor like Aventis Advisors offers a more personalized, efficient process with in-depth industry knowledge, ensuring optimal deal outcomes.
Aventis Advisors Will Help You Navigate the Polish M&A Landscape
While evaluating financials is important, acquiring a company involves much more. It’s about finding the right cultural fit, understanding market trends, and ensuring a smooth post-acquisition transition. M&A advisors bring local expertise, alongside helping you identify the most strategic acquisition targets, navigate the complexities of the deal, and improve the probability of a transaction.
Aventis Advisors is a Polish M&A advisor focusing on technology and growth companies. Our team has accumulated significant know-how in helping international buyers navigate the unique complexities of investing in Poland. With our experience in bringing together foreign investors and Polish targets, you can trust us to take care of all your investment needs – from understanding complex financials to bridging cultural gaps!
Contact us if you want to learn more about M&A in Poland. We would be happy to answer any of your questions and find the best deals for you.
