After working in the industry with large corporates for 15 years, I set up on my own by completing my first (very small) acquisition in 2007. Parabellum Investments was founded in 2012 and is a hybrid between a family office and private equity firm – without looking like either. Usually seeking control, we have an exceptionally strong operations pedigree and generally use our own funds. In terms of co-investments, we only work with like-minded partners.I learnt my trade as a line manager with Schlumberger, where I spent 10 years across three continents. Deal-making came later when I resigned from Atos in 2007 to do my first buyout. Since then I have led several complex transactions in every continent (other than LatAm) where I always act as the principal. Given my background, I work well with CEO’s and will only step in if things really go wrong – I usually take the role of executive chairman.Attractive deals are a combination of sector experience or personal interests. This means we look at companies in technology, life sciences as well as music and property.We know what building blocks are required to grow organically, as well as by acquisition, so we aim to support the CEO to put those in place. With no set timeframe for a so-called “exit” or credit committees to answer to, the plans we work to are the ones we agree with the CEO and management team.On a personal note, other than spending time with my daughter, I am a pretty good kickboxer and desperately want to try my hand at music production.If you have a company for sale in life sciences and technology, please get in touch.