BDA Partners Company Profile

Background

BDA Partners, established in 1996, is a premier global investment banking advisory firm specializing in Asia-related transactions. With over 25 years of experience, BDA offers expert advice on cross-border mergers and acquisitions (M&A), capital raising, and financial restructuring. The firm's mission is to provide independent, high-quality advisory services to sophisticated clients worldwide, focusing on delivering insightful advice and outstanding outcomes. BDA's vision is to be the leading sellside investment banking advisor for Asia, facilitating seamless cross-border transactions. The firm operates across nine offices in North America, Europe, and Asia, employing over 120 professionals.

Key Strategic Focus

BDA Partners specializes in cross-border M&A transactions, with a particular emphasis on sellside advisory services. Approximately 80% of the firm's transactions involve cross-border elements, underscoring its expertise in navigating complex international deals. BDA's core sectors include Chemicals, Consumer & Retail, Health, Industrials, Services, Sustainability, and Technology. The firm leverages its deep regional knowledge and extensive network to connect clients with strategic opportunities across Asia and beyond.

Financials and Funding

BDA Partners is a privately held firm, majority-owned and managed by its employees since its inception. The firm has established strategic partnerships with William Blair, a premier global investment banking business, and the Development Bank of Japan (DBJ), a Japanese government-owned bank with total assets of US$150 billion. These alliances enhance BDA's capabilities and extend its global reach.

Pipeline Development

BDA Partners has a strong track record of advising on significant cross-border transactions. Notable recent deals include:

Chemfield Cellulose's Divestment to Oji Holdings (March 2025): BDA advised Chemfield Cellulose on its divestment to Oji Holdings, a leading Japanese paper products company.

QBurst's Majority Acquisition by Multiples (February 2025): BDA advised QBurst, a global software solutions provider, on its majority acquisition by Multiples, a private equity firm.

IMM's Consortium Acquisition of Environmental Services Firm (January 2025): BDA advised IMM's consortium on their successful US$1.6 billion acquisition in the environmental services and waste management sector.

These transactions highlight BDA's expertise in facilitating complex, high-value deals across various industries.

Technological Platform and Innovation

BDA Partners distinguishes itself through its proprietary methodologies and deep sector expertise. The firm employs advanced financial modeling techniques, comprehensive market analyses, and leverages its extensive network to identify and execute strategic opportunities. BDA's commitment to innovation is evident in its ability to adapt to evolving market dynamics and deliver tailored solutions to its clients.

Leadership Team

BDA Partners is led by a team of seasoned professionals with extensive experience in investment banking and cross-border transactions. Key members include:

Euan Rellie, Managing Partner, Head of Consumer & Retail (New York): Co-founder of BDA, Euan has over 25 years of experience in investment banking, specializing in consumer and retail sectors.

Andrew Huntley, Managing Partner, Head of Healthcare (London, Ho Chi Minh City): Andrew brings extensive expertise in healthcare M&A, having advised on numerous high-profile transactions globally.

Paul DiGiacomo, Managing Partner, Head of Financial Sponsors Group (Hong Kong): Paul leads the firm's financial sponsors group, focusing on private equity clients and financial institutions.

Karen Cheung, Partner, Head of Consumer & Retail, Asia (Hong Kong): Karen specializes in consumer and retail sectors across Asia, providing strategic advisory services to clients.

Kumar Mahtani, Partner, Head of Industrials, India (Mumbai): Kumar has extensive experience in the industrials sector, advising clients on complex cross-border transactions.

Anthony Siu, Partner, Head of Shanghai, Financial Sponsors Group (Shanghai): Anthony focuses on financial sponsors and private equity clients, leveraging his deep knowledge of the Chinese market.

Sanjay Singh, Partner, Head of Mumbai, Head of Healthcare, Asia (Mumbai): Sanjay leads the healthcare practice in Asia, advising clients on strategic M&A and capital raising initiatives.

Jeff Acton, Partner, Head of Tokyo, Head of Technology (Tokyo): Jeff specializes in technology sector transactions, with a focus on the Japanese market.

This leadership team exemplifies BDA's commitment to providing expert advisory services across diverse sectors and geographies.

Leadership Changes

In February 2019, BDA Partners strengthened its Tokyo office by appointing Hideyuki Tozawa as Managing Director and Co-Head, and Shinsuke Hashimoto as Director. These strategic hires enhanced BDA's capabilities in Japan, reflecting the firm's commitment to expanding its presence in key Asian markets.

Competitor Profile

Market Insights and Dynamics

The investment banking sector, particularly in Asia, is characterized by robust growth driven by increasing cross-border M&A activities. The market is competitive, with numerous firms vying for prominence in facilitating complex international transactions.

Competitor Analysis

BDA Partners faces competition from several notable firms, including:

GP Bullhound: Founded in 1997, GP Bullhound is a technology-focused investment banking firm with a global presence.

Harris Williams: Established in 1991, Harris Williams specializes in M&A advisory services across various industries, with a strong focus on middle-market transactions.

Lincoln International: Founded in 1996, Lincoln International offers M&A advisory services, capital raising, and valuation services, with a global footprint.

These competitors, while formidable, differ from BDA in their regional focus and sector specializations. BDA's deep expertise in Asia-related transactions and its strategic partnerships provide a distinct competitive advantage.

Strategic Collaborations and Partnerships

BDA Partners has established strategic alliances to enhance its service offerings and global reach:

William Blair: A premier global investment banking firm, this partnership allows BDA to leverage William Blair's extensive network and resources.

Development Bank of Japan (DBJ): A Japanese government-owned bank with total assets of US$150 billion, this alliance strengthens BDA's presence and capabilities in Japan.

These collaborations enable BDA to provide comprehensive advisory services and access to a broader range of opportunities for its clients.

Operational Insights

BDA Partners' strategic focus on Asia-related transactions, combined with its independent advisory model, positions the firm uniquely in the investment banking landscape. The firm's commitment to delivering high-quality, tailored advice has earned it a reputation for excellence and trust among its clients. BDA's ability to navigate complex cross-border deals and its deep sector expertise provide a competitive edge in the market.

Strategic Opportunities and Future Directions

Looking ahead, BDA Partners aims to capitalize on the growing demand for cross-border M&A advisory services in Asia. The firm plans to expand its sector coverage, particularly in emerging industries such as sustainability and technology. By leveraging its strategic partnerships and enhancing its technological capabilities, BDA is well-positioned to meet the evolving needs of its clients and maintain its leadership in the market.