«The specific nature of the German market grants excellent business opportunities for European SMEs», stated António Godinho. NBB – National Business Brokers’ administrator, about the training week dedicated to the new partners that will reinforce the NBB network with German consultancy units for small and medium sized companies.

The new franchisees training week took place from the 23rd to the 27th of January. NBB’s team of instructors, including Pedro Marques, senior NBB consultant, Ivo Crisóstomo, international network chief consultant, and Gundo Kahle, international expansion director, also benefited from Alexander Marinoni’s and Carter Looney’s, the Senior Managing Partners of the NBB Central Office in Frankfurt, presence.

According to António Godinho, «The German market reveals trends and characteristics that can facilitate the internationalization of any European firm, especially in the area of mergers, acquisitions and partnerships». He explains that «There is a natural aptitude for business in Germany that is reflected in how they approach international cooperation and is closely related to the very Saxon culture. Entrepreneurs reveal great maturity and knowledge for these kind of operations which, most certainly, favor a welcoming attitude for business on an international level».

In face of the German market’s specific characteristics, several procedures and part of the new franchisees’ training program were changed in order to address the brand’s operational workflow adequately. «This adaptation process results from the cooperation with the existing German units, specially the Central Office in Frankfurt and its Senior Partners», refers António Godinho.

NBB offers consultancy services to small and medium sized enterprises within the scope of business sales and purchases, particularly in mergers and acquisitions, fund raising and spin-offs. It also searches for potential financial and/or strategic business partners. «Nowadays, one of the channels that enable the firms’ rapid growth in an international scenario is acquisitions. Therefore, NBB’s physical presence through worldwide offices guaranties the presentation of concrete opportunities supported by local partners, thus increasing the possibilities of success of any action developed», explains Alexander Marinoni.

«To buy a firm that already operates in a given market presents several advantages to the buyer, since start up period is significantly reduced and the knowledge of the market and potential clients is almost immediate. Besides reducing the necessary investment, it can also yield returns much more brief period of time», says Antonio Godinho, adding that « NBB’s global consultancy network is the perfect bridge for this scenario because we position ourselves on both sides of the equation, considering we know the market and the firms».

The physical presence of local offices promotes a more effective client support during internationalization processes and exploration of new markets, and also enhances NBB’s international reputation, separating its performance from domestic market limitations.

Presently NBB has more than 60 offices in 30 countries. It was awarded with the International Projection Award by IFE Group in 2008 and 2009 as a result of its brand recognition abroad. The international consultancy network’s continuous and sustainable growth has successfully exploited many business opportunities for international firms around the world.