About the role

We are looking for an entrepreneurial and analytically strong M&A Associate to join our investment team in Kontich, conveniently located between Antwerp and Brussels.

At Companions, M&A goes beyond financial modelling and deal execution. You will evaluate investment opportunities from both a financial and strategic perspective, challenge assumptions and contribute to investment decisions that shape the future of our portfolio companies.

You will be involved throughout the investment lifecycle, from assessing new opportunities and executing transactions to identifying value creation opportunities and preparing potential exits.

This role offers a unique combination of investment exposure, entrepreneurial thinking and tangible impact across a diverse portfolio of SMEs.

We value in-person collaboration, and this role is based at our Kontich office four days a week.

Your responsibilities

• Develop investment recommendations by combining financial analysis with commercial judgment, strategic considerations and a critical assessment of risks.

• Run valuations and financial modelling analyses to assess potential returns and evaluate different transaction and financing structures.

• Assess investment opportunities by analysing target companies, market dynamics, competitive positioning, growth potential and consolidation opportunities.

• Perform (financial) due diligence, critically reviewing financial and operational information to identify key risks, opportunities and value drivers to confirm or adjust the initial valuation expectations.

• Support deal execution and negotiations, translating financial and strategic insights into recommendations on valuation, purchase price mechanisms and deal structure.

• Coordinate transaction processes, managing timelines, external & internal advisors, financial institutions and other stakeholders.

• Identify value creation opportunities within potential acquisitions and existing portfolio companies, looking beyond the numbers to understand how businesses can grow and improve.

• Support the handover of the accumulated knowledge to our in-house Strategy & Operations and Shared Services teams post-acquisition.

• Support portfolio valuations and potential exits, including financial analysis, valuation exercises and stakeholder communication.

Your profile

• You hold a master's degree in economics, business, management, commercial engineering or a related field, with a strong academic track record.

• You bring 3–5 years of relevant experience in M&A, Transaction Services, Corporate Finance or a similar investment-related environment.

• You have strong financial modelling, valuation and analytical skills.

• You combine analytical rigour with commercial curiosity and an entrepreneurial mindset.

• You have strong stakeholder management skills and can engage effectively with hands-on business owners, financial advisors, financial institutions and our internal stakeholders (S&O, Shared Services, Buy-In Managers, etc.).

• You look beyond the numbers, understand the bigger picture and can form independent, well-reasoned opinions on investment opportunities.

• You are comfortable challenging assumptions, asking the right questions and translating complex information into actionable recommendations.

• You are hands-on, solution-oriented and take ownership of your work.

• You are ambitious and eager to develop towards a leadership or specialist role.

• You thrive in an informal yet professional environment.

• You communicate fluently in Dutch and English; French is a plus.

Why join Companions?

• Ownership and growth: Take on meaningful responsibilities and develop your career in a growing investment holding.

• Real investment exposure: Be closely involved in investment decisions and transactions from start to finish.

• Beyond the deal: Understand the businesses behind the numbers and contribute to their long-term growth.

• Entrepreneurial environment: Be part of a close-knit investment team, working closely with experienced professionals and ambitious business leaders in a hands-on, collaborative setting.

• Broad learning opportunities: Gain exposure to different industries, business models and strategic challenges.

About Companions

Companions is an investment holding that co-invests in Small and Medium-sized companies alongside ambitious leaders and motivated teams. As active shareholders, we empower our portfolio companies to grow sustainably by leveraging our expertise in strategy, finance, and operations.

At Companions, we celebrate diversity and foster an inclusive work environment where unique perspectives and backgrounds are valued. We believe that diversity enhances our ability to support our portfolio companies and partners effectively.