25 Years of Trust, Change, and Success
Interview with Prof. Dr. Michael Nelles, CEO of Conpair AG
For 25 years, Conpair AG has been a specialist in succession planning and corporate financing. Under the leadership of Prof. Dr. Michael Nelles, the company has established itself as a top address through trust, adaptability, and industry focus - especially in healthcare. The holistic consulting approach, personal care, and high success rate make Conpair a sought-after partner in the German mid-sized sector.
Conpair has made a name for itself in the area of succession planning. "We connect capital providers with companies or investors with sellers – that is our core business," says CEO Prof. Dr. Michael Nelles. The trust of the customers is based on many years of experience, personal support, and customized solutions – a proven success model.
From the Lecture Hall to the Business World
The success story of Conpair AG began on April 1, 2000, when the company was founded by Prof. Dr. Michael Nelles, who at that time held a university professorship in corporate finance. Aiming to connect theory with practice, Conpair quickly faced the challenges of the financial world. "We wanted to show students how business really works," explains Prof. Dr. Michael Nelles. Originally focused on IPOs, Conpair rapidly adapted to changes in the capital market and evolved into a specialist in corporate finance and succession planning.
Strategic Realignment
A decisive milestone was the focus on the healthcare sector from 2018: especially during the pandemic, the stability of this industry became apparent.
Conpair supported doctors in finding successors for their practices and opened the door for investors to the German healthcare market. Over 40 transactions in specialties such as radiology, psychiatry, nuclear medicine, or neurosurgery demonstrate success. 'Today, we are among the top 3 addresses in the healthcare sector in Germany,' emphasizes Prof. Dr. Michael Nelles.
The Key to Success
Crises such as the financial market turmoil of 2008, the coronavirus pandemic, or geopolitical uncertainties have not weakened the company – on the contrary. 'You must be willing to continually adapt your business model to market developments,' says Prof. Dr. Michael Nelles. This adaptability sets Conpair apart from many competitors. The company operates almost entirely on a success-oriented basis and is almost exclusively commissioned through recommendations. Intensive supervision of mandates from preparation through investor approach to contract execution is a matter of course.
Viable Solutions
By now, Conpair has successfully completed over 380 transactions with a volume of 4.2 billion EUR. The team of 15 employees is characterized by consistency, expertise, and personal proximity to customers. "What sets us apart is the reliability and our 24/7 commitment to our clients," says Prof. Dr. Michael Nelles. With a mix of experience, enthusiasm for innovation, and comprehensive market knowledge, Conpair positions itself as a reliable partner, standing for performance-based remuneration and realistic market analysis. Some projects require years of preparation – others require a sensitive approach to pricing.
"Sometimes we have to burst the bubble of fantasy dreams – or inform the client that his company is worth more than he thinks," explains Prof. Dr. Michael Nelles. The claim: solutions that are viable and sustainable – for both sellers and investors. This honesty pays off, as many mandates come through recommendations.
At the Center: The Human Element
Even after 25 years, the company remains innovative. Sustainable topics such as refrigeration and air conditioning are gaining importance, and further transactions in the healthcare sector are imminent. Political stability, interest rate cuts, and economic relaxation could bring new dynamics. Despite all strategy, one thing remains central for Prof. Dr. Michael Nelles: the human element. "It's always about the people behind the company," he says. Conpair supports them with prudence and openness – even if that means realistically adjusting false expectations. This honest, trustworthy attitude makes the company strong – yesterday, today, and tomorrow.