M&A Partner

After graduating with a degree in Mechanical Engineering, I spent a number of years running large production operations for various corporates. I obtained an MBA in 1998, then did a stint in banking before embarking on my entrepreneurial journey.

My initial step in this direction saw me running an educational television business that delivered video-based training to the Ethiopian government. This led me to make my first business acquisition, a TV broadcaster and production company. After five years I exited that business and founded a consultancy that assisted small businesses with developing and implementing their growth strategies. The knowledge and experience I had accrued up to that point enabled me to start a sell-side advisory business in 2012, in partnership with one of my clients. We developed a reputation for delivering incredible success in the sale of privately owned businesses.

My experience in engineering and manufacturing has given me an excellent base for understanding businesses in the industrial space. My MBA and subsequent work with US credit card bank, Capital One, as well as with Nedbank have expanded this experience into the financial sector and given me significant insights into the relationship between marketing and credit risk.

The broad scope of my business and operational experience, supported by my hands-on involvement in mergers and acquisition transactions have contributed significantly to my ongoing track record of success at Deal Leaders Africa.

Meet Australian Partner Richard Barlow