For Business Clients

Discreet hiring for M&A and Private Equity teams

AQTAL supports Investment Banks, Private Equity funds, and corporate M&A teams in Germany with controlled search delivery, market mapping, and confidentiality-first processes.

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How we work

We run a controlled process built for high-stakes hires – fewer, better candidates; real screening; and discretion that holds up when a mandate is sensitive.

Real screening

Every candidate presented has been screened in a proper conversation – typically a structured 30-minute meeting – so you are not calibrating from CVs alone.

Quality over volume

We do not offload selection to clients. Expect shortlists of 5-10 profiles per role, aligned to scope, deal exposure, and motivation.

Discretion by design

We protect client and candidate confidentiality throughout the process, and can run masked searches where identity is revealed only after interview acceptance.

Services

Three ways we support hiring teams

Choose a full-cycle search, a clarity-first mapping engagement, or a confidentiality-first process for sensitive mandates.

Each service can be delivered as a standalone engagement or combined depending on urgency and internal resourcing.

Go deeper

Open the detail pages to see typical deliverables, timelines, and what “good” looks like.

Executive Search

Full-cycle delivery for M&A and Private Equity roles. We map targets, run discreet outreach, and qualify candidates in structured conversations before they ever reach your inbox.

Instead of volume, the goal is conversion – fewer interviews wasted and fewer surprises late in the process.

Executive Search details

What you should expect

  • Kickoff to lock scope, must-haves, and decision criteria
  • Target list aligned to relevance and feasibility
  • Discreet outreach and structured 30-minute screening
  • Shortlist of 5-10 profiles per role, not 30
  • Candidate summaries and process support through offer

Market Mapping & Intelligence

When the mandate is complex, a mapping phase often saves time. We build a realistic view of the market – teams, titles, feasibility, and where hiring is actually possible.

This can be used to prepare a search, benchmark competition, or support expansion planning before you commit.

Market Mapping details

Typical outputs

  • Target firm and team mapping
  • Candidate pool visibility via public profiles
  • Compensation ranges and market expectations
  • Feasibility and timing assessment
  • Role and title calibration to improve traction
Sensitivity

Confidential & Sensitive Searches

For replacements, stealth builds, or situations where brand or identity cannot be revealed early. We can run a masked process so candidates accept an interview invitation before they know who the client is.

Where needed, we can introduce NDA steps, but most mandates rely on trust and reputation in high finance circles.

Confidential Search details

How masked processes work

  • Candidate agrees to an interview invitation without client identity disclosed
  • We prepare the application and present in a controlled way
  • Client gives a go/no-go based on the anonymised profile and screening
  • Once the candidate accepts a slot, client identity is disclosed
  • Interviews proceed normally with minimal market leakage

Engagement models

Two ways to work with AQTAL depending on urgency, confidentiality, and internal resourcing.

Embedded Partnership

High-leverage sourcing support embedded into your process. Ideal when you have internal interview infrastructure but need market coverage and discreet outreach.

  • Market mapping and outreach execution
  • Structured screening and calibration
  • Shortlist delivery aligned to your process

Dedicated Delivery

Full-cycle search delivery managed end-to-end by AQTAL. Ideal for confidential or time-sensitive mandates where control and speed matter.

  • Scope, map, outreach, shortlist, and close
  • Candidate summaries and diligence
  • Offer support and process management
Next step

Share the mandate – we will map the fastest path

Role scope, location, seniority, urgency, and any sensitivity constraints. We respond quickly and in confidence.