With the opening of our Madrid office in February, Marktlink marks an important new chapter in our European growth strategy. The expansion reflects our long-term commitment to supporting entrepreneurs in one of Europe’s most dynamic mid-market environments and underscores our belief in Spain’s strong and resilient SME landscape.
“Spain is, at its core, a country of entrepreneurs,” says Tim van der Meer, Managing Partner of Marktlink in the Netherlands. “More than 95% of Spanish companies are small and medium-sized enterprises, many of them family-owned and built over generations. These businesses form the backbone of the economy, and they deserve advisers who truly understand their journey.”
According to Van der Meer and Erwin Wilbrink, Partner at Marktlink, this entrepreneurial fabric aligns naturally with Marktlink’s philosophy: highly specialised, relationship-driven, and focused on guiding business owners through pivotal strategic moments such as succession, growth, or a sale.
“Our role is not limited to transactions,” Wilbrink explains. “We support entrepreneurs at moments that are often transformational, both professionally and personally. That requires trust, long-term thinking, and advisers who stand beside the entrepreneur from start to finish.”
The decision to establish a permanent presence in Madrid was a deliberate one. Over recent years, the city has emerged as a major economic and cultural hub, attracting international capital, talent, and ambition. Its accessibility and business-friendly climate make it an ideal base from which to serve entrepreneurs across Spain.
“Madrid combines local entrepreneurial energy with a strong international outlook,” says Van der Meer. “From here, we can support family businesses thinking about succession, founders seeking growth capital, or companies looking to connect with international buyers. The opportunities are both abundant and meaningful.” Marktlink has previously done deals with private equity parties based in Spain, so opening the Madrid office is a logical next step.
Beyond geography, Spain’s business culture played a decisive role. Relationships, trust, and personal connection are central to how business is done: values that closely mirror Marktlink’s own approach.
“In Spain, entrepreneurs want advisors who genuinely understand them,” Wilbrink adds. “By combining Marktlink’s proven methodology and European network with the warmth and relational focus of Spanish business culture, we can offer a service that is globally strong and locally authentic.”
“M&A is not only about selling companies, but also about helping entrepreneurs realise the full value of their life's work and ensuring that their next chapter is even stronger than the previous one. At Marktlink, we want to be the advisor of reference for successful entrepreneurs to materialise their legacy and help them reach all their objectives.”
– Javier Alfaro Lopez
The Madrid office will be led by Javier Alfaro, who brings more than 20 years of experience in M&A advisory and corporate development. Having lived and worked in the UK, the US, and China, Alfaro combines an international perspective with deep roots in the Spanish market.
“M&A is not only about selling companies,” Alfaro says. “It’s about helping entrepreneurs realise the full value of their life’s work and ensuring that their next chapter is even stronger than the previous one.”
Throughout his career, Alfaro has advised and led numerous mid-market transactions across a wide range of sectors. His experience on both sides of the negotiating table gives him a distinctive perspective on what entrepreneurs truly need.
“I believe integrity, entrepreneurship, and loyalty are essential in our profession,” he explains. “Only when our goals are fully aligned with those of our clients can we deliver the best possible outcomes and build a sustainable reputation.”
Alfaro describes his communication style as direct, honest, and collaborative; a natural fit with Marktlink’s culture. “Entrepreneurs value clarity,” he says. “They want to know what to expect, and they want an advisor who is transparent and candid throughout the process.”
The Madrid team, though still growing, brings experience in M&A advisory, finance, and corporate development, combined with a strong understanding of the Spanish mid-market. As part of the wider Marktlink platform, the office will connect Spanish SMEs to a broad European network of buyers, investors, and strategic partners.
“In an increasingly interconnected economy, cross-border reach is no longer a luxury; it’s a necessity,” says Wilbrink. “Through Marktlink, Spanish entrepreneurs gain access to opportunities well beyond their domestic market.”
Looking ahead, the opening of the Madrid office also strengthens collaboration within the wider Marktlink organisation. Van der Meer extends an open invitation to colleagues across Europe: “Madrid is a city full of energy, hospitality, and collaboration. We warmly invite all our colleagues to visit, work together on opportunities, and help build this next chapter for Marktlink.”
For Alfaro, the launch is both professional and personal. “Madrid is an incredibly welcoming city,” he says. “I look forward to welcoming more clients, building on lasting relationships, and growing Marktlink’s presence in Southern Europe together.”
With the opening in February, Marktlink is ready to begin this new chapter. One rooted in trust, entrepreneurship, and long-term value creation for Spanish business owners.
Contact us now for more information.