M&A Associate

Amsterdam/Rotterdam, hybrid

DEPT® is a pioneering global digital agency, headquartered in Amsterdam and operating across 30+ countries. At the intersection of technology, creativity and data, we build and accelerate digital experiences for some of the world’s most exciting brands – from Google and eBay to Patagonia and Philips.

As we continue to scale, we’re looking for an M&A Associate to join our in-house M&A team. This is a rare opportunity to contribute to the M&A roadmap of one of the world’s most dynamic and forward-thinking digital agencies.

JOB PURPOSE

As M&A Associate you will be an integral part of the in-house M&A team and work alongside our Global Head of M&A and the Chief Development Officer (CDO). In your role you will be involved in deals from beginning to end; from mapping out the market and searching for new agencies that want to join DEPT®, to the execution of the actual transaction and everything in between. You will lead the search for potential targets, conduct market research and keep our pipeline of opportunities up-to-date. You will support in the preparation of indicative offers, work alongside external due diligence advisors to make financial, commercial and strategic analyses and engage with various stakeholders within DEPT® up to signing and closing of a transaction. Once a transaction is closed, you will support post-deal integration planning.

For this role we are seeking someone that is based in the Netherlands, but appreciates working globally. We are a fast-paced company that demands flexibility to work across multiple time zones and the ability to adapt to a constantly changing environment.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Deal Sourcing & Screening

• Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to identify and evaluate strategic acquisition targets
• Perform preliminary screening of potential targets, including market mapping, competitive landscape analysis, and alignment with strategic priorities
• Maintain and enhance the acquisition pipeline and target database

1. Financial Analysis & Modeling

• Maintain detailed financial models to assess transaction impact and value creation potential
• Analyze target company financials, KPIs, revenue drivers, and cost structures
• Prepare valuation and pricing strategies in collaboration with our Finance team

1. Due Diligence Management

• Coordinate cross-functional due diligence efforts across Finance, Legal, Tax, Operations, IT/Systems, People and Commercial teams
• Liaise with external advisors during the due diligence process
• Prepare a due diligence summary to summarize key diligence results and identify key attention points

1. Transaction Execution

• Prepare investment memoranda, board presentations, and approval documents
• Review key transaction documents in collaboration with our in-house Legal team
• Track deal timelines, manage project workflows, and ensure all deliverables are met

1. Integration Planning & Post-Merger Support

Collaborate with our internal functional teams to ensure a seamless transition post-closing, including tracking of post-deal performance and synergy realization

WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR

Essential

• Proven experience in M&A, investment banking, private equity and/or corporate development
• Strong financial modeling, valuation, and analytical skills
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills and fluent in English; able to present to senior leadership and external partners
• Curious self-starter with a high degree of ownership and a desire to work in a fast-paced and high-quality demanding environment
• A strong interest in the practical applications of AI in a business context, with a proactive approach to embedding new technologies in your daily work

Nice to Have

• Experience in technology, media or marketing sectors is a plus
• Based in the Netherlands, but appreciate working in an international environment that spans multiple time zones and therefore requires some flexibility in working hours
• Experience using generative AI or other smart tools in a professional or personal capacity to increase productivity and solve problems.

WE OFFER

• A flexible, hybrid working policy (2-3 days from the office, depending on location) and the opportunity to work from abroad for 13 weeks a year.
• 24 vacation days per year and the possibility to buy an unlimited number of extra vacation days.
• DEPT®/YOU Learning Menu and DEPT®/YOU Special Programs. Develop your skills with courses and programs tailored to your needs.
• Stay happy and healthy with a contribution to your health through the OpenUp platform, gym and wellness discounts, and healthy lunches at the office.
• Get a discount on your lease bike and ride in style. You can also enjoy hassle free-commutes with an NS Business Card.
• A reputation for doing good. DEPT® has been a Certified B Corp® since 2021, has been named a Great Place To Work since 2022 in the Netherlands and named ‘Agency of the Year’ at both The Lovies and The Webby Awards.
• Awesome clients. Whether big, small, local or global — at DEPT® you’ll get the opportunity to work with all of them. And we celebrate all of our successes together!

WHO ARE WE?

We are pioneers at heart. What does that mean? We are always looking forward, thinking of what we can create tomorrow that does not exist today. We were born digital and we are a new model of agency, with a deep skillset in tech and marketing. That’s why we hire curious, self-driven, talented people who never stop innovating.

Our culture is big enough to cope and small enough to care. Meaning, that with people across 30+ countries, we’re big enough to provide you with the best tools, global opportunities, and benefits that help you thrive. While acting small by investing in you, your growth, your team, and giving you the autonomy to solve our clients problems, no matter where you are in the world.

DIVERSITY, EQUITY & INCLUSION

At DEPT®, we take pride in creating an inclusive workplace where everyone has an equal opportunity to thrive. We actively seek to recruit, develop, nurture, and retain talented individuals from diverse backgrounds, with varying skills and perspectives.

Not sure you meet all qualifications? Apply, and let us decide! Research shows that women and members of underrepresented groups tend not to apply for jobs when they think they may not meet every requirement, when in fact they do. We believe in giving everyone a fair chance to shine.

We also encourage you to reach out to us and discuss any reasonable adjustments we can make to support you throughout the recruitment process and your time with us.