Tom Soentjens

Company: Aeternus
Job Description: Manager Corporate Finance
Age: 35
Years of working experience in M&A: 3,5 year

Bio
Tom Soentjens has a strong academic background in finance and economics. He completed his Executive Education in Business Valuation at Nyenrode Business University in 2023, further enhancing his expertise in business valuation. Prior to that, he obtained a Post-HBO AA in Accountancy for SMEs from HAN University of Applied Sciences in 2019, focusing on accounting and finance for small and medium-sized enterprises. In 2013, Tom earned his Master of Finance from Tilburg University, where he developed a deep understanding of financial markets and corporate finance. His academic journey began at Fontys University of Applied Sciences, where he graduated in 2010 with a degree in International Business Economics, completing the propedeuse phase with distinction.

In his professional career, Tom gained six years of experience at EY, starting as a Staff Assurance Services and advancing to Senior Staff Assurance. He worked in Venlo from January 2015 to December 2020. Before his time at EY, Tom spent three years as a lecturer in International Business Management at Fontys University of Applied Sciences and held shorter roles at UWV and Philips, including positions as a financial administrative assistant and trainee.

What are the specialties of this talent?
We are pleased to nominate Tom Soentjens for the Best Young M&A Advisor 2024 award. Over the past year, Tom has demonstrated exceptional skills in executing numerous M&A transactions, particularly within the industrial and manufacturing  and within the healthcare and cosmetic clinic sector. His deep understanding of the industry, combined with his meticulous approach to deal structuring, has consistently led to successful outcomes for his clients.

How does the talent distinguish itself from its peers?
Tom excels as a process facilitator, always guiding clients through the right steps to secure the most favorable deal. His strengths lie in his creativity and strategic planning, enabling him to craft innovative solutions for complex transactions. Tom is also known for his unwavering commitment to his clients, ensuring that “a deal is a deal” by adhering strictly to his promises and deadlines.

What impact does the talent have within the organization?
Tom has a significant impact on our organization, not only through his exceptional advisory skills but also as a mentor to other young talent. He actively invests his time in training and developing the next generation of M&A professionals, sharing his knowledge and guiding them in their early careers. His leadership helps foster a culture of growth and innovation within our team.

Additionally, Tom has played a key role in strengthening our organization’s position in the healthcare and cosmetic clinic sectors. His deep expertise in these industries and successful track record in M&A have enhanced our firm’s reputation, making Aeternus a go-to advisory firm in these specialized markets.

What impact does the talent have outside the organization?
Outside the organization, Tom extends his influence by regularly speaking at university programs. His participation in academic settings allows him to share his expertise with a broader audience and inspire the next wave of professionals entering the M&A field. His contributions to education help bridge the gap between theory and practice, reinforcing his standing as a thought leader in the industry.

To what extent does the talent makes the difference to clients?
Tom’s ability to make a meaningful difference for clients is rooted in his deep industry expertise, particularly in the healthcare and cosmetic clinic sectors, and his client-focused approach. He excels at understanding the unique needs and challenges of his clients, crafting tailor-made solutions that lead to optimal deal outcomes. His creativity and strategic thinking allow him to navigate complex transactions with ease, often finding innovative approaches that others may overlook.

Furthermore, Tom’s dedication to his clients is unwavering. His “deal is a deal” philosophy ensures that he follows through on commitments and delivers results. Clients trust him to guide them through the entire M&A process, from initial discussions to final negotiations, knowing that he consistently prioritizes their best interests. This high level of trust and personalized service is what sets Tom apart and makes a lasting impact on his clients.

Why does the talent deserves this nomination?
Tom Soentjens deserves this nomination because of his exceptional contributions as a young M&A advisor. His track record of successfully leading complex transactions, particularly in the healthcare and cosmetic clinic sectors, showcases his deep industry expertise and ability to deliver outstanding results for his clients. Tom’s unique blend of creativity, strategic planning, and unwavering commitment ensures that his clients consistently achieve the best possible outcomes.

Beyond his transactional skills, Tom plays a key role within our organization by mentoring young talent and positioning our firm as a leader in specialized markets. His contributions to developing future professionals and enhancing our reputation make him an invaluable asset to Aeternus.

Additionally, Tom’s influence extends outside the organization, as he regularly shares his insights as a speaker at university programs, bridging the gap between academia and the real-world practice of M&A.

For these reasons, Tom is an exemplary candidate for the Best Young M&A Advisor award.