Wilmar van der Meulen

Upon completing my master’s in Finance at the University of Groningen in 2021, I was set on pursuing a career in M&A. The prospect of guiding entrepreneurs through the intricacies of buy-side or sell-side processes deeply resonated with me. As an active member of a student association, I had the opportunity to engage with various M&A boutiques and big four firms, including Marktlink.

Marktlink immediately caught my attention for its down-to-earth culture and entrepreneurial spirit. Moreover, the company's regional presence allowed me to remain in Groningen while working at its office in Drachten (now relocated to Leek).

The remarkable level of responsibility bestowed upon employees from day one at Marktlink never failed to impress me. I recall fondly my first client meeting during my initial month at the company, where I had the chance to present an information memorandum crafted alongside a colleague. The owners were initially taken aback when they learned that I had only been employed for a few weeks and would be overseeing the sale of their company under the guidance of an experienced partner. However, as the sell-side process progressed, they grew increasingly fond of me and were impressed by my visible growth. Our journey culminated in a celebratory closing dinner last September, where the former owners expressed their gratitude for the support received throughout the project.

After spending over a year in Drachten, I was presented with the opportunity to assist Managing Partner Jesper Fogh Duelund and his team in establishing Marktlink's presence in the Nordics. In early October 2022, I relocated to Copenhagen as part of an international assignment, aiming to contribute to Marktlink's recognition in the Danish SME M&A market, mirroring its success in the Netherlands.

The chance to embark on an international M&A assignment, coupled with the significant responsibility afforded from the outset of one's career, sets Marktlink apart as an exceptional employer in my view. I am truly proud to be part of the Marktlink family, where we collectively navigate the challenges and triumphs of M&A processes.