Bio

Founded European/African corporate finance and investment company Mellenthin & Co. in 1998 (succeeded by Melcofin & Co. in 2010) and Paarl Equity in 2005 – a private equity platform for wealthy families in German-speaking Europe. Has over 30 years of Investment Banking experience in both Europe and Africa and has been advising different European and South African corporates, larger South African and European family investors (particularly French and German families) in Africa and in Europe. Director of companies and involved with European and African associations as well as being a member of a German think-tank. Has built-up strong networks in different European and African markets as well as having built-up a strong understanding of their different cultures. Further to having undertaken his banking studies in Germany and a 2 year management trainee programme at Commerzbank (Frankfurt), he subsequently worked as a manager at Standard Merchant Bank (Johannesburg) and was a senior Corporate Finance/banking member at S.G. Warburg & Co. (London). Prior to having set-up his own advisory and investment business, was also a board member of Yamaichi Europe (London). Is fluent in English, German and French.