Recommended expert

Christoph Jores

Buy-Side Carve-out Advisory

Christoph Jores
Düsseldorf, Germany

Experience

May 2025 - Sep 2025
5 months
Gothenburg, Sweden

Buy-Side Carve-out Advisory

Halon Group

  • Operational due diligence, TSA and SPA consulting and operationalization, detailed Day 1 & post-merger integration planning for Halon in connection with the acquisition of Eleven Cyber Security, Berlin. Reporting line to Halon CEO.

  • Cyber Security / IT Services / SaaS. Total turnover in EUR: confidential / Employees: approx. 200.

  • Conducting operational due diligence, including analysis of operational risks, processes, IT and cyber security structures.

  • Advisory and management of the contractual implementation (TSA and SPA) as well as translation into operational measures.

  • Creation of detailed Day-1 and post-merger integration plans (PMI master plan) for all functional areas.

  • Planning and coordination of transition services (TSA) and definition of the target organization.

  • Sparring partner for management and private equity investors on operational and strategic issues.

  • Development of a governance and communication plan for integration management, incl. cultural questionnaire / pulse checks.

  • The operational due diligence and integration planning were completed on schedule and aligned with the transaction objectives.

  • A seamless Day-1 transition and a structured post-merger integration were ensured, with all TSAs successfully operationalized.

  • In addition, an aligned target operating model and a synergy plan between Halon and Eleven Cyber Security were developed.

Apr 2024 - Dec 2024
9 months
Spain

Post-Merger Integration

Uriach Group

  • Post-merger Integration Officer ad interim and consultant for the acquired pharmaceutical businesses Pascoe Group, Gießen and Sidroga, Bad Ems, both in Germany with a total of approx. 400 employees, incl. coordination of restructuring with legal advisors Advant Beiten and restructuring experts FTI. Reporting line to SteerCo (Uriach Group Executive Committee) and CEO Central Europe ("CE").

  • Pharmaceuticals. Total turnover in EUR: 500 million / Employees: approx. 1,400.

  • Overall project management, incl. planning and project management of the implementation of the post-merger master plan, sparring partner of the management as well as management of external consultants, incl. restructuring consultants, lawyers and communication agency.

  • Coordination of a reorganization strategy as well as the design and coordination of the future target operating model and organizational structure.

  • Supporting and preparation of the negotiation for collective bargaining with works councils in the context of restructuring with redundancies.

  • Coordination of changes to the process and system landscape, overarching cooperation models (RACI).

  • Advice on change communication, development of guiding principles and development and implementation of a communication plan.

  • Coordination of the detailed planning of the reorganization per functional area.

  • Coaching managers as part of the reorganization, team integration, team building and synergy management.

  • The project was successfully completed on schedule, including planned cost savings and implementation of the target operating model.

Apr 2022 - Jul 2023
1 year 4 months
Sweden

Carve-out

Dometic Group AB

  • Interim manager/project lead of carve-out and consultant, project lead for reorganizing and disentanglement of the WSE division into two separate legal entities in Sweden and Germany. Reporting line to SteerCo and Group President EMEA.

  • Automotive Workshop Equipment (WSE) division. Total revenues in EUR: 2bn. Employees: approx. 8,500.

  • Overall project management, including from planning to implementation, sparring partner for the management.

  • Development of a reorganization strategy for Germany and Sweden.

  • Coordination of operational, organizational, legal and tax target structures, incl. transfer price scheme and SLAs.

  • Advice on change communication, development of guiding principles as well as a communication plan.

  • Coordination, monitoring and reporting of the transfer of operations in two countries and reorganization worldwide.

  • Ensuring the integration of systems and processes, including the rollout of D365 and stability during cutover and transition.

  • The project was successfully completed on schedule and resulted in the achievement of all key KPI and structural targets.

Oct 2021 - Mar 2022
6 months
Germany

Post-Merger Integration

ABO Wind Group

  • Interim manager/project lead post-merger integration and consultant, project lead for integrating acquired VSB Technik GmbH, Dresden after the client had failed to integrate it into their ABO Wind Service GmbH. Reporting line to divisional CEO and shareholder.

  • Wind energy farms, technical service division. Total revenues in EUR: 300m. Employees: approx. 1,000.

  • Advice on the development of the organizational structure and cultures, the development of guiding principles and the development of an integrated target operating model.

  • Technical advice on planning various merger options, including transfer of operations, spin-off and reverse merger.

  • M&A integration planning, project management and implementation.

  • Being a sparring partner to the management.

  • Professionalization of the integration process while maintaining the stability of the business functions at the target company after the takeover.

  • Ensuring the integration of systems and processes.

  • Coordination of change management and communication.

  • The project was successfully completed on schedule, including planned retention and synergies. Success factors were my change management, crisis intervention, and my decision-making preparations.

May 2021 - Present
4 years 9 months
Sweden

Freelance Consulting for M&A Integrations and Carve-Outs

Global PMI Partners

  • Planning and managing the carve-out of an automotive OEM business for the listed Dometic Group, Sweden.
  • Leading the M&A integration of VSB Technik into ABO Wind Group.
  • Successful planning and implementation of business transformation projects, including tax and legal concepts.
  • Crisis intervention ensured that projects successfully crossed the finish line.
Apr 2021 - Nov 2021
8 months
Germany

Sell-side M&A / Joint Venturing

Messe Friedrichshafen

  • Interim M&A Manager and consultant for the planning, structuring, negotiation and founding of a Joint Venture with Messe Frankfurt am Main, incl. the sale of 50% of a business line. Reporting line to Managing Director and CFO.

  • International Industrial Fairs. Total revenues in EUR: 17m. Employees: 100.

  • Advice on the transaction structure of a joint venture to be founded.

  • External and internal coordination and management of the due diligence with the opposite party, including accounting, tax and legal aspects.

  • Sparring partner to the management.

  • External and internal coordination of the term Sheet / LOI, company valuation, vendor due diligence, contract negotiations and closing.

  • The joint venture was successfully established within seven months, as planned. Due diligence, contract negotiations, and closing were carried out smoothly, enabling operations to start on schedule.

Aug 2020 - Dec 2020
5 months
Germany

Playbook

TÜV organization

  • Development of a post-merger integration (PMI) playbook. Reporting line to Head of M&A.

  • Testing, inspection- and certification services.

  • Stakeholder management with key corporate and international business management.

  • Development and coordination of a RACI PMI process, a PMI program management blueprint and a manual with functional PMI tools.

  • Align the playbook with the group-wide M&A managers.

  • Writing the guidelines and implementing them in a cloud-based digital book.

  • The project was completed on schedule and on time. The PMI handbook is available globally online with digital tools and templates.

Oct 2019 - Apr 2020
7 months
Germany

Buy-side M&A / Head of M&A and PMI ad interim

DKV Mobility Group

  • Interim Head of M&A taking over the management function for the duration of the vacancy of the department head. Reporting line to the Group CFO and SteerCo.

  • Financial services, mobility services, fintech. Total revenues in EUR: 10bn. Employees: 1.000.

  • Stakeholder management with Board of Management, shareholders, and functional areas at all levels.

  • Manage and coach a team of one senior manager and one junior manager, increase the efficiency of the function.

  • Reorganize the department, to professionalize M&A processes with regard to cross-company cooperation and to create an M&A and post-merger integration playbook.

  • Manage key projects in growing the digital business model.

  • Onboard the new permanent position holder and handover.

  • The project was completed on schedule and to the customer's great satisfaction. Styletronic GmbH, Austria, was acquired in its entirety under my leadership.

Sep 2018 - Jun 2019
10 months
United States

Post-Merger Integration

GHX LLC

  • Interim Manager/project lead for the post-merger integration of Medical Columbus (asset deal) into GHX Europe. Reporting line to President Europe.

  • Healthcare, IT services, SaaS, digital supply chain. Employees: 1.000.

  • Integrate all functions of the target into the buyer´s European and global organization.

  • Stakeholder management with functional leaders across Europe and the US.

  • Planning and coordinating cross-functional deliverables and providing leadership in aligning milestones, prioritizing against schedules.

  • Control of problem solving and escalation where needed.

  • Ensuring continued engagement.

  • The project was successfully completed after nine months. The integration of the acquired business was coordinated across functions and implemented on schedule, including problem solving and active involvement of all parties involved.

May 2018 - Apr 2019
1 year
Germany

Carve-out

Philips Photonics GmbH

  • Interim Manager/project lead of the carve-out of photonics division, which was a highly integrated division with locations in Germany, the Netherlands and China in preparation for the sale. Reporting line to CFO.

  • Hightech, VCSEL (laser chips production). Total revenues in EUR: 500m. Employees: 350.

  • Stakeholder management with corporate business partners, the workstream leads, the country managers in Germany, the Netherlands and China, the business leader and his management team and all relevant functional areas.

  • Plan the carve-out and carry out the implementation as program manager for Germany in cooperation with all functional areas.

  • Appropriate prioritization of all activities, definition of milestones with progress control as well as escalation and finding solutions to problems.

  • Disentangle the division from the Philips Group and transfer to legally and organizationally independent units.

  • Coordination of all cross-company target structures and processes.

  • Ensure full independent functionality, including IT, IT security, sales, finance, HR and operations.

  • The project was successfully completed within 11 months. Subsequently, the tasks included preparing for the closing, post-closing activities, and supporting the post-merger integration by Trumpf GmbH & Co KG.

Sep 2017 - May 2018
9 months
Germany

Buy-side M&A

Uniper S.E.

  • Consulting for the planning and execution of an investment in a US biotech start-up for solar-chemical products and renewable fuels, including business model design, commercial due diligence, competitive analysis, market research, strategy development and M&A transaction management. The objective was to develop and establish new growth areas through investments in innovative and sustainable technologies for the utilization of CO2. Reporting line to Head of Innovations.

  • Energy and energy trade. Total revenues in EUR: 70bn. Employees: 11.000.

  • Coordination of due diligence in connection with an investment in a US company, including IP analysis, Portes Five Forces analysis and market analysis.

  • Preparation and monitoring of the contract negotiations.

  • Development of a roadmap for the development of new technology to market maturity, a business model and a target operating model.

  • Design of strategies for financing funding and venture capital partners.

  • The project was successfully implemented in the planning and preparation phase. The M&A phase was completed, and the contracts for market readiness, including the laboratory and technical pilot phase, were developed.

Dec 2016 - Jun 2017
7 months
Austria

Business Transformation

Adecco Group

  • Interim Head of CEO Staff. The objective was to build and establish a new CEO staff unit as part of a business transformation. Reporting line to CEO Germany and Austria.

  • Personnel services. Total revenues in EUR: 1.2bn. Employees: 3.500.

  • Prepare and follow-up of board and management meetings.

  • Corporate planning and derivation of measures according to strategic planning, e.g., performance management and integration of various business units.

  • Development of a new management cascade and governance system for the operative business areas and implementation of a new KPI system for in sales.

  • Design of PMO tools such as project charters and program management standards.

  • Planning of a management kick-off workshop with the aim of growing together as a management team, realigning the business and shaping future cooperation.

  • Analysis of essential industry trends, effects on future business development and derivation of suitable measures.

  • Conducting business analysis, investor relations reporting and performance reviews.

  • The newly created CEO staff was quickly integrated into the matrix organization. Key communication structures were successfully established and serve as a connecting interface between the Executive Board, business partners, and the operating units.

Sep 2015 - Dec 2015
4 months
Germany

Buy-Side M&A

DHL Group

  • Consulting for the planning and evaluation of an operational due diligence in connection with the acquisition of a postal service provider and providing a second opinion for the purpose of post-closing concept as an industry insider. Reporting line to divisional CFO.

  • Logistics, Post & Express. Total revenues in EUR: 60bn. Employees: 550.000.

  • Review of previous due diligence catalog and findings. Creation of a risk matrix.

  • Analysis of operational and competitive factors, incl. the core and support processes per location.

  • Evaluation of the due diligence results, drafting of risk management strategies and input for the contract negotiations.

  • The project was successfully completed on schedule and within budget. The due diligence was fully evaluated, and effective risk management strategies were developed for the contract negotiations.

Apr 2014 - Nov 2014
8 months
Germany

Fundraising & Operating Partnering

Hanse Ventures

  • Freelance consultant for the identification of a new operational partner and strategic investor, initiation and introduction. Reporting line to CFO.

  • Venture capital fund with incubator platform for digital business models in the B2C segment.

  • Analysis of the business models and derivation of the required expertise of the future partner.

  • Identification and analysis of possible investors and operational partners.

  • Establishing contact, positioning Hanse Ventures and preliminary talks with potential partners.

  • Introduction of a candidate to the customer.

  • All services were provided to my complete satisfaction, and an operational partner for my proposal was successfully recruited.

Sep 2013 - May 2015
1 year 9 months
Germany

Post-Merger Integration Advisory

Global PMI Partners

  • Freelance consultant for supporting the initiation and implementation of consulting mandates in the logistics and transport industry. Reporting line to Partner Germany.

  • Post-Merger Integration Consultancy. Employees: 350.

  • Introducing the logistics and supply chain expertise in the pitch phase for various projects and customers as well as support in the implementation of ongoing mandates.

  • Post-merger integration analysis in the due diligence phase.

  • Design of integration strategies and outline of risk matrix.

  • Design of roadmaps for the pre-closing phases.

  • Roadmap designs for the post-closing integration.

  • All consulting services were successfully delivered on time and within budget. The development of integration strategies, risk analyses, and roadmaps contributed significantly to the smooth implementation of customer projects.

Feb 2012 - May 2012
4 months
Germany

Post-Merger Integration Advisory

Express & Logistics player

  • Interim consultant for planning a merger platform to integrate regional hubs from a franchise system into one nationwide legal and operational unit.

  • Logistics / express services (nationwide and international). Employees: 3,000.

  • Design of alternative target structures.

  • Proposal for a negotiation strategy to address noticeable conflicts of interest between stakeholders and shareholders.

  • Design of a customized due diligence process.

  • Development of the integration strategy and outline of the risk matrix.

  • Roadmap design.

  • The services were successfully completed within three months, on schedule and within budget. However, due to significant conflicts of interest among regional partners, the implementation of the project and services was postponed, particularly regarding the valuation of the equity to be contributed.

Jul 2011 - Present
14 years 7 months
Düsseldorf, Germany

Self-employed

Humboldt | M&A 360°

  • Management consulting & interim management for M&A, Post-Merger Integrations, and Carve-Outs.
Sep 2010 - Jun 2011
10 months
Germany

Joint Venturing

TNT Group

  • Project lead for Post-Merger Integration of a joint venture (Mail Alliance) founded with the Georg von Holtzbrinck Group, aiming to integrate 13 regional postal logistics providers into one operational unit. Reporting line to CFO.

  • Logistics / Supply Chain. Total revenues in EUR: 1bn. Employees: approx. 5,000.

  • Develop target operating model and organizational structures.

  • Identify risks and integration hurdles in the pre-deal analysis.

  • Design the integration strategy.

  • Create a roadmap with prioritized key activities.

  • Build a common understanding and commitment within the organization.

  • Project management, including mobilizing required resources, managing change, monitoring milestones, and reporting to ensure ongoing engagement and stable operations.

  • Integrate all functional areas and systems.

  • Achieve synergy goals on time and within budget.

  • Reach the desired new business model and subsequent strategic positioning.

  • The project was successfully completed within 15 months. The integration of the 13 regional providers into one operational unit was delivered on schedule and within budget. The synergy targets were met, critical risks and integration hurdles were identified early and managed effectively. The implementation of new organizational structures, processes, and cultures contributed significantly to the stabilization and progression of the operational business.

Jun 2009 - Sep 2010
1 year 4 months
Germany

Carve-out

TNT Group

  • Project manager for a carve-out. An underperforming direct mail business needed restructuring and sale. The objective was to outsource all affected processes, employees, and systems to a separate legal entity with full functionality. Reporting line to CFO.

  • Logistics / Supply Chain. Total revenues in EUR: 1.0bn. Employees: approx. 5,000.

  • Analysis of potential standalone solutions and creation of a detailed target structure and roadmap covering all relevant configuration areas.

  • Concept for regional outsourcing or joint ventures with partners having overlapping logistics structures.

  • Design of the carve-out strategy, including definition and measurement of strategic goals and KPIs. Provision of regular status reports and dashboards, with suggestions for early risk management.

  • Planning of all relevant sub-projects and coordination of detailed action plans for each functional area and cross-company dependencies.

  • Regular liaison with the steering committee, management team, and functional areas on procedure, expectation management, milestones, time and resource planning, and internal and external communication.

  • The project was completed successfully in 15 months. The spin-off of the division, including all structures, processes, systems, and employees, was carried out on schedule and within budget. Coordinated carve-out strategies and comprehensive change management enabled a smooth handover to the newly founded independent company focused on successful sales.

Jan 2007 - Jun 2011
4 years 6 months
Germany

Head of Mergers & Acquisitions and Post Merger Integration

TNT Post Holding

  • Structuring and negotiation of M&A deals.

  • Planning and implementation of post-merger integrations, synergy, change, and restructuring concepts.

  • Program and project management and process optimization.

  • Team leadership.

  • Development and implementation of M&A buy & build and joint venture strategies.

  • Planning and management of 20 M&A transactions and post-merger integrations, from initiation (due diligence, etc.) to transaction implementation (merger, acquisition, sale, joint venture).

  • Development of best practices for realizing synergies.

  • Further development of organizational structures and processes.

  • Restructuring and carve-out of a division with subsequent sale.

Jan 2006 - Dec 2006
1 year
Germany

Freelance M&A Consultant

Freelance M&A Consultant

Jan 2003 - Dec 2005
3 years
Germany

Head of Corporate Development – Intl. Passenger Transport

Deutsche Bahn

  • Development and management of the department with the aim of internationalizing the passenger transport division.

  • Development of an internationalization strategy with options for implementation. Strategy workshop design and moderation.

  • Initiation, negotiation and completion of growth projects through M&A and establishment of joint ventures.

  • Coordination of market and competition analyses, development, positioning and expansion of new business areas.

  • Established the internationalization of passenger transport as a strategic direction in the group.

  • Achieved UK market entry.

Sep 2001 - Aug 2002
1 year
London, United Kingdom

Associate Director, Mergers & Acquisitions

Hawkpoint Partners

  • Client advisory.

  • Project management of strategy and M&A projects.

  • Marketing and business development.

  • Successful development and negotiation of an asset management joint venture between Prudential Financial and Sal. Oppenheim Asset Management.

Oct 1997 - Jun 2001
3 years 9 months
New York, United States

Associate, Mergers & Acquisitions

Citigroup

  • Worked as an IB analyst (financial analysis and modeling, company valuation, due diligence, market and business analysis, etc.).

  • Upon promotion to an associate: project management for M&A advisory and execution, deal structuring and negotiation in approx. 20 M&A projects (purchase & sale).

  • Gained extensive and solid analyst and associate M&A advisory and execution and investment banking experience, incl. financial, accounting, tax, financial modeling, DCF valuation, C-level presentations, Due Diligence performance, commercial and business analysis and negotiations.

Skills

  • Program And Project Manager, C-level Sparring Partner, And Pmo In M&a And Transformation Programs (Carve-outs, Post-merger Integration, M&a Strategy, Joint Ventures, Spin-offs). Many Years Of Expertise As Head Of M&a, Post-merger Integration, And Carve-outs In Smes And Private Equity Environments (Including International Operations).

  • M&a Transaction Management: Management Of Over 60 Transactions (Buy/sell Side, Joint Ventures, Carve-outs), Including Oversight Of Due Diligence, Valuation, Contract Negotiations, And Closing. Trusted Partner For Cfos And Private Equity Investors.

  • Post-merger Integration, Carve-out & Spin-off: Planning And Implementation Of Complex Pmi Programs And Carve-outs, Including Target Operating Model, Process And System Integration, Governance, Kpi Management, And Change Leadership.

  • Value Creation & Operating Model Design: Development And Implementation Of Value Creation Plans With Pe Sponsors; Design Of Integrated Business Models, Structures, And Synergies For Sustainable Growth.

  • Transformation & Change Management: Implementation Of Business-critical Transformations, Cultural Integration, Executive Coaching, Stakeholder Management, And Building High-performance Teams.

  • Program Management & C-level Sparring: Establishment And Management Of Complex Pmos; Sparring Partner For Ceos/cfos In Special Situations, Crisis Intervention, And Rapid Results Orientation.

  • Sector Experience (Mostly Midmarket): Pharmaceutical, High-tech, Automotive, Transportation, Logistics, Digital Supply Chain, Biotech, Healthcare, It Services, Saas, Cyber Security, Renewables / Wind Energy, Business Services, Fintech And Financial Services.

  • Asana

  • Microsoft 365, Copilot, Pptx, Teams, Sharepoint/one Drive, Outlook, Excel, Word, Visio

  • Increasing Number Of Ai Tool Applications In The Areas Of Operational Due Diligence, Operating Modeling, Synergy Assessment, Hr, Legal, Project Plan Optimization, Etc.

Languages

German
Native
English
Advanced
Spanish
Elementary

Education

Oct 1988 - Mar 1995

Hochschule für Wirtschaft & Recht, Berlin und Uni-GH Paderborn

Diploma in Business Administration (FH) · Business Administration and Economics · Paderborn, Germany

Aug 1986 - Aug 1988

Commerzbank

Banking apprenticeship certificate · Banking apprenticeship · Germany

Certifications & licenses

Business Transformation Manager

RWTH

Certified Business Coach

CLM Business School

Six Sigma Green Belt (ASQ)

ASQ

Strategy In Digital Disruption

INSEAD

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