ETA and Search Funds in the USA vs Europe
Season 1, Episode 2, Feb 19, 04:00 PM
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The M&A Zing is a Podcast series devoted to Acquisition Entrepreneurs, Search-Funds and HoldCo Builders in the UK and EU.
Each week we dive-in to topics and challenges that impact SMB Succession M&A, and explore the highs and lows of Searching, Acquiring, Owning, Operating and Exiting small and medium-sized businesses.
We bring you interviews, news, and practical tips on all things SMB M&A—particularly in the UK and EU markets.
This week we explore why Europe’s Search Fund scene is now growing fast—and how it compares to the more mature and established US ETA/Search Fund ecosystem.
Hosted by:
Gareth Hawkins – CEO & Co-Founder at BizCrunch (exited founder, M&A investor)
Alfie Lambert – Co-Founder & Head of Growth at BizCrunch (& resident outreach expert)
In This Episode:
• [00:18] Intro: Meet our hosts, Gareth Hawkins & Alfie Lambert (co-founder and Head of Growth at BizCrunch)
• [02:03] UK & EU M&A News: Dean Curran's second PCB acquisition and Germany’s “Lineage” fund of funds
• [08:29] Why Europe’s Search Fund Scene Is Growing Fast—and how it still compares to the US
• [13:24] The Role of Business Schools and Influencers in Spreading ETA Awareness
• [18:07] Access to Capital: How the SBA (in the US) vs. British Business Bank (in the UK) shapes M&A
• [27:16] Europe’s Data Advantage: Digital registries and better off-market search
• [30:28] Wrap-Up & Next Week’s Preview: A conversation with a boutique business broker (and how brokers can help or hinder deals)
• [31:31] Serial Acquirer Symposium,18th June 2025
The M&A Zing is a Podcast series devoted to Acquisition Entrepreneurs, Search-Funds and HoldCo Builders in the UK and EU.
Each week we dive-in to topics and challenges that impact SMB Succession M&A, and explore the highs and lows of Searching, Acquiring, Owning, Operating and Exiting small and medium-sized businesses.
Gareth Hawkins – CEO & Co-Founder at BizCrunch (exited founder, M&A investor)
Alfie Lambert – Co-Founder & Head of Growth at BizCrunch (& resident outreach expert)
In This Episode:
• [00:18] Intro: Meet our hosts, Gareth Hawkins & Alfie Lambert (co-founder and Head of Growth at BizCrunch)
• [02:03] UK & EU M&A News: Dean Curran's second PCB acquisition and Germany’s “Lineage” fund of funds
• [08:29] Why Europe’s Search Fund Scene Is Growing Fast—and how it still compares to the US
• [13:24] The Role of Business Schools and Influencers in Spreading ETA Awareness
• [18:07] Access to Capital: How the SBA (in the US) vs. British Business Bank (in the UK) shapes M&A
• [27:16] Europe’s Data Advantage: Digital registries and better off-market search
• [30:28] Wrap-Up & Next Week’s Preview: A conversation with a boutique business broker (and how brokers can help or hinder deals)
• [31:31] Serial Acquirer Symposium,18th June 2025
The M&A Zing is a Podcast series devoted to Acquisition Entrepreneurs, Search-Funds and HoldCo Builders in the UK and EU.
Each week we dive-in to topics and challenges that impact SMB Succession M&A, and explore the highs and lows of Searching, Acquiring, Owning, Operating and Exiting small and medium-sized businesses.