ACF Investment Bank has announced its expansion into Germany as part of a broader European growth strategy, appointing Bernd Wendeln as Head of M&A Europe.
The move marks what ACF describes as a “significant milestone” in its development, strengthening its presence in one of Europe’s largest and most influential markets following its established operations in the UK and the USA.
Based in Munich, Wendeln will lead ACF’s regional initiatives and oversee the global investment bank’s M&A activity across the continent. He brings more than two decades of experience in media and entertainment transactions, with an extensive network across the DACH region that includes media owners, private equity funds and family offices.
Wendeln previously served as Head of M&A at Verve Group and Chief Operating Officer at Your Family Entertainment, as well as holding senior roles in M&A and corporate development at Tele München Group (now part of Mediawan/Leonine) and ProSiebenSat.1.
“I’m excited to join ACF and help lead its European expansion,” Wendeln said. “ACF’s entrepreneurial spirit, deep industry relationships, and commitment to execution make it the ideal platform to help European clients navigate complex transactions and accelerate growth through access to global investors.”
ACF CEO Thomas Dey added: “Germany represents a cornerstone market for ACF’s next chapter of growth. With our existing relationships, sector expertise, and local leadership, we are ideally positioned to provide clients with deeper market insights, innovative financial solutions, and a global platform to achieve their ambitions.”
ACF operates as part of the Forest Road family, which provides access to a broad network of capital sources, including lenders, private funds, investor syndicates and high-net-worth individuals. This, the firm says, enhances its ability to support clients pursuing both organic and inorganic growth.
