19/09/2023

Henko invests in Link to drive its international growth

  • The private equity firm Henko Partners makes its first investment in the technology sector and in Portugal, by investing in Link. Link is one of the leading Portuguese IT services providers, offering a comprehensive portfolio of solutions, with offices in Portugal, Brazil, and the Middle East. Henko will support Link’s international expansion, creating a platform with delivery units in Iberia and Latin America, and clients across Europe, Latin America and the Middle East.

Lisbon, September 19th 2023.

Henko Partners, a Spanish private equity firm, has invested in Link to drive its international growth. Henko seeks to position Link as a leading player in the IT services field in Iberia, with a strong geographical footprint across Europe and key countries in Latin America and the Middle East.

Link is one of the first IT services companies of Portugal and a prominent innovator. Today, the Lisbon-based company has a wide service portfolio including cloud architecture, workspace digitization, managed services, and analytics. The solid portfolio of over 350 clients stretches mainly across financial services, utilities, and public administration. Its strategic partnerships with blue-chip clients showcase its capacity to provide services at the highest level. This is possible thanks to an experienced team of over 400 employees.

The IT services sector continues to grow strongly due to the increasing importance of digital technologies, driven by the increasing complexity of information and data management and the need for more agility. The company boasts a long double-digit growth track record and is led by a highly competent and experienced management team.

Alongside supporting its growth plans in Iberia, Henko aims to grow Link, in particular across the rest of Europe. Henko aims to establish Link as a prominent nearshoring provider by leveraging its experience and delivery capacity in Portugal and Brazil to offer services in Northern Europe and Middle-East. Link will also seek to complement the service offering with strategic acquisitions in Portugal, Spain and beyond.    

The CEO of the company, Mr. José Alves Marques, and the current management team of Link will continue to lead the company. Alongside capital, Henko will provide operating support to accelerate the development of the company, increase its geographical footprint and broaden the portfolio of services.

Mr. José Alves Marques, comments that “Henko’s investment will allow us to access other markets and new services. We will also have resources to acquire complementary businesses, geographically and from a service portfolio perspective”.

Lars Becker, partner at Henko, adds: “We are convinced that the IT services sector will continue to grow strongly and that digitalization will become ever more critical for economic growth. Link is well positioned to accompany their clients in their digital transition, backed by its wide service portfolio and highly skilled workforce. We are delighted to support Link’s team in their ambitious plans.” 

The transaction has been advised by SRS Legal and Haitong, as legal and financial advisors to the shareholders of Link, and Garrigues and PwC, as legal and financial advisors to Henko.

About Link:

Link is a leading information technology consulting company based in Portugal. With a strong focus on innovation, Link provides strategic advice and cutting-edge technology solutions to help organizations navigate digital transformation challenges and create long-term value in meaningful partnerships with our customers.

For further information please visit www.linkconsulting.com

About Henko Partners:

Henko Partners is an independent private equity investor focused on supporting outstanding Spanish and Portuguese mid-cap companies in markets with long-term growth trends. The firm partners with strong entrepreneurs and management teams to develop successful businesses and actively engages with its portfolio companies to execute long-term growth plans. As entrepreneurs for entrepreneurs, Henko aims to support companies in accelerating growth and transforming them into more resilient and sustainable businesses. Henko is a responsible investor committed to strict environmental, social, and good governance principles. We aim to contribute to the long-term success of our investors and to a sustainable society.


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· Private equity experience across Spain, Portugal, UK and Germany.

 

· Previously partner at Sherpa Capital, Spanish Private Equity with > €350m of assets under management (2020) focused on SMEs in Spain and Portugal.

 

· Partner at DPE Deutsche Private Equity, private equity fund targeting SMEs with €1.2bn of assets under management (2017).

 

· Morgan Stanley Capital Partners.

 

· MPA Harvard University, BSc from LSE London School of Economics.

Lars Becker

Partner

· Former EY Strategy and Transactions Analyst, providing corporate finance solutions in strategic advisory, valuation, m&a, financial restructuring and due diligence.

 

· Previous experience at UBS and Deutsche Bank.

 

· Master in Finance from IE Business School.

 

· Double degree in Business Administration and Actuarial Science from URJC.

Daniel Largo
Analyst

· Previously Investment Associate at Sherpa Capital.

 

· Previous experience at BBVA and Amazon.

 

· Master's Degree in Industrial Engineering from ICAI (Universidad Pontificia Comillas)

Pablo Fernández
Associate

· Extensive experience in finance and management control.

 

· Previous experience as CFO and Client Operations Director at Jones Lang Lasalle, Bouygues and Carrefour, proven ability to implement action plans and process reengineering to improve the company performances.

 

· Degree in Business Administration from Universidad Autónoma de Madrid and MBA by IE.

Vanesa Valentín
CFO

· João has a strong background in M&A advisory services in the Portuguese and Spanish markets.

 

· João started his career at KPMG Portugal providing corporate finance and M&A advisory services and he has also worked at Alantra´s Credit Portfolio Advisory division. 


· João has a MSc in Management and Finance from Cass Business School and a BSc in Business Administration from Católica Lisbon School of Business and Economics.

João Oliveira
Associate

· Extensive private equity experience.

 

· Previously Investment Executive at Sherpa Capital.

 

· Previous experience at Ferrovial and Clearwater.

 

· Business Administration and Management Degree from Universidad de Navarra.

Íñigo Urbón

Director

· Extensive private equity experience.

 

· Previously Investment Associate at Sherpa Capital.

 

· Previous experience at H.I.G. Capital and McKinsey & Company.

 

· Business Administration Degree and MSc in Finance from ESADE Business School.

Jules de Meeûs
Associate

· Extensive private equity experience.

 

· Previously Investment Executive at Sherpa Capital.

 

· Previous experience as an Assistant Manager at Deloitte Corporate Finance, participating in M&A transactions, debt raising and restructuring transactions; and Garrigues, leading Spanish law firm.

 

· Double degree in Law and Business Management (taught in English) from Universidad Pablo de Olavide.

Ricardo Mellado
Vice President