Hatten Advisory is quickly establishing itself as one of the key players in Malta’s mergers and acquisitions market. WhosWho.mt can reveal that the firm has already secured sales mandates exceeding €100 million.
Founded recently in Malta by a group of seasoned professionals, the firm is experiencing significant interest from both local and international entities, confirming the strong demand for specialised M&A advisory services in Malta.
Two of the partners involved, Jonathan Shaw and Damian Mifsud, spoke to WhosWho.mt about M&A developments in the Maltese market.
Strong market response and emerging trends
Hatten Advisory recognised a gap in the Maltese market for tailor-made M&A advisory services. “M&A activity in Malta has steadily increased over recent years, yet business owners have limited exit options,” Mr Shaw explained. “The local stock market is nearly dormant, and networks with the right expertise are scarce. We expected strong interest, but the actual market response has exceeded our projections.”
Mr Mifsud added, “We have already engaged with both local and international entities on the sell-side and buy-side, including private, family-owned, and publicly listed companies. The level of interest confirms the appetite for structured M&A support.”
Diverse listings and high-value mandates
Malta-based Hatten Advisory has secured a broad range of listings across multiple sectors, including manufacturing, retail fashion, retail hardware, and gaming. Internationally, they have also engaged with regulated fintech and gaming companies, as well as a leading global regtech/payments firm.
“We have already secured sales mandates exceeding €100 million, with deal sizes ranging from €3 million to €50 million,” Mr Mifsud revealed. “Our buy-side mandates are highly targeted, often involving valuation assessments and debt financing arrangements for strategic acquisitions.”
Mr Shaw elaborated that most sell-side clients are pursuing either full or partial divestitures, with at least one regulated entity considering a merger as a strategic alternative.
Cross-border transactions gaining traction
The geographical distribution of businesses engaging with Hatten Advisory highlights an increasing interest in cross-border transactions. “Most businesses we represent are either based in Malta or operate here under foreign ownership,” Mr Shaw said. “Additionally, we are working with fully foreign-owned entities, demonstrating an appetite for cross-border deals and strategic international expansions.”
Surpassing expectations in market reception
Reflecting on the initial months of operation, Mr Mifsud noted, “While we anticipated strong demand, the overwhelming interest – including from professional service providers looking to collaborate – has been remarkable. The M&A landscape is evolving, and businesses are seeking structured pathways for growth, consolidation, and exit strategies.”
Foreign investment driving acquisition interest
The firm has observed significant buy-side interest from foreign entities aiming to acquire regulated EU businesses. “Many of these companies want to strengthen their existing operations or diversify their supplier base,” Mr Mifsud stated. “For example, a payment services provider may seek to acquire an established financial institution to reduce reliance on a single banking partner.”
Mr Shaw emphasised Hatten Advisory’s role in facilitating such deals, stating, “Our team’s extensive network enables us to identify potential targets swiftly, and we provide comprehensive support throughout the entire M&A process, including financing and regulatory compliance.”
Local businesses exploring strategic mergers
Apart from acquisitions, there is growing interest in mergers among local competitors. “Business owners are realising that mergers are often essential for survival and long-term growth,” Mr Mifsud explained. “Sectors like Corporate Service Providers [CSPs] are particularly impacted by increasing compliance and regulatory costs, making scale a necessity. Mergers present an opportunity to optimise resources, expand geographically, and accelerate business growth.”
Mr Shaw added, “With the challenges posed by Malta’s stagnant stock market and financing limitations, mergers are becoming a strategic alternative for businesses looking to enhance their market position.”
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