martijn.mouwen@avaxa.nl
06-57 79 97 77
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MARTIJN MOUWEN
PARTNER
Following 13 years in wholesale banking, where I gained a wide range of experience in project financing, structured finance and corporate lending, from 2010-2016 I worked for PwC. Within PwC I set up, grew and managed one of the leading debt advisory practices in the Netherlands for corporates, (internationalizing) family businesses and Private Equity. With my team I successfully completed a large number of (inter-)national (re-)financings worth a total of EUR 5 billion. I was a nominee in the “Best Debt Advisor” category at the annual M&A Awards for 4 years in a row. I decided that I wanted to combine my drive for clients, debt advisory and entrepreneurship in building a new leading debt advisory boutique. Together with Lonneke Arntz I founded Avaxa debt advisors in 2016.
“Arranging long-term, sustainable financing which allows companies to execute their strategy and achieve their goals. Against the best possible terms and conditions available in the financing markets. That is what energizes me on a daily basis”
LONNEKE ARNTZ
PARTNER
During my 19 years within Rabobank I gained a wide range of experience in the Dutch large and medium-sized corporate lending market. My experience consists of a wide range of wholesale banking activities, ranging from the origination and execution of (re-)financings to financial restructurings. For several years I managed a debt structuring team servicing a client portfolio of 50 corporates with a total amount of financing of EUR 4 billion. Between 2010-2016 I worked within the restructuring group where I successfully completed numerous large and complex financial restructurings. I decided that I wanted to combine my drive for clients, debt advisory and entrepreneurship in building a new leading debt advisory boutique. Together with Martijn Mouwen I founded Avaxa debt advisors in 2016.
“From experience I know that a financial solution can almost always be achieved. Also in complex and difficult situations. The dynamics between all stakeholders and the way in which these are managed is key for the result. Creating broad support for a solution that is sustainable for the long-run and restoring confidence is crucial in a process of financial restructuring.”
lonneke.arntz@avaxa.nl
06-57 77 88 86
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lodewijk.kolfschoten@bdo.nl
06-41 25 64 90
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LODEWIJK KOLFSCHOTEN
SENIOR MANAGER
After spending ten years as a banker at ING, serving clients across various segments including the mid-corporate market, I joined BDO’s Debt Advisory team in 2013. I was eager to move into a dynamic transaction environment where I could fully leverage my deal-making skills and work closely with entrepreneurs, shareholders and investors on strategic financing matters. Since then, I have built extensive experience as a debt advisor, supporting companies, shareholders and private equity firms in complex financing, buy-and-build and transactional situations. Throughout my career, I have been involved in a broad range of financing, acquisition and restructuring assignments, helping clients navigate both growth opportunities and challenging business environments.
My primary focus is advising mid-market companies, family-owned businesses and private equity investors on acquisition financing, growth financing and the restructuring and optimisation of existing debt facilities. I combine in-depth financial analysis with a pragmatic and hands-on approach, always keeping the interests and strategic objectives of the business at the forefront. I enjoy translating complex financial challenges into a clear and compelling story and delivering solutions that create room for growth, acquisitions and long-term value creation. Equally important is effective stakeholder management, ensuring alignment between all parties involved throughout the process.
“A successful financing is about much more than raising capital. It is about creating a sustainable capital structure that supports a company’s strategic ambitions, provides sufficient flexibility for the future and is backed by all key stakeholders. Helping clients achieve that outcome is what motivates me every day.”
JAN DEN OUDSTEN
MANAGER
Over the course of 13 years at Rabobank, I gained extensive experience in the Dutch corporate finance market, primarily in the mid-market segment, where I advised larger family-owned businesses and private equity portfolio companies. During this period, I was involved in both growth and acquisition financing, as well as supporting clients in financial distress which are served by the Financial Restructuring department of their bank. Following my time at Rabobank, I joined Avaxa in 2023, where I have been able to apply my experience and expertise to achieve the best possible outcomes for the customers we serve. Since then, I have had the opportunity to support a wide range of successful transactions, from capex-driven growth financings to acquisition financings and project financings. This way, I am able to contribute to the continued growth of Avaxa and BDO as leading provider of Debt Advisory and Restructuring services.
jan.den.oudsten@avaxa.nl
06-15 18 98 04
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maarten.ter.harmsel@bdo.nl
06-17 24 63 28
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MAARTEN VAN HARMSEL
MANAGER
After graduating, I spent ca. 8 years at Rabobank in the large corporate segment, where I gained extensive experience in analysing and structuring corporate financings across virtually all sectors. This included both regular financing solutions (such as growth and acquisition financing and working capital solutions) and financings within special asset management. Driven by the wish to apply this knowledge and experience on the “other side of the table”, I joined BDO Debt Advisory in 2020. Since then, I have successfully supported a wide range of clients, from family-owned businesses and corporates to private equity firms, in realising a suitable financing solution.
“I get energy from translating our clients’ ambitions into a financeable reality. No two cases are the same, and it is precisely putting the puzzle together and realising the best-fitting financing solution that gives me great satisfaction.”
GIJS JOOREN
MANAGER
I advise entrepreneurs, investors, and management teams on financing matters that are critical to the next stage of their organization’s development. Whether it involves acquisition financing, refinancing, growth capital, or complex capital structures, my focus is on delivering financing solutions that work both today and in the future.
My background in corporate finance has taught me that successful financing goes far beyond securing the lowest interest rate or the highest leverage. It is about understanding a company’s strategic objectives, building confidence among financing partners, and creating a structure that provides the flexibility needed for future growth.
I combine an analytical mindset with a pragmatic approach. By quickly identifying the key drivers of a business, I am able to translate complex financing challenges into clear choices and a practical plan of action. I enjoy working at the intersection of strategy, finance, and stakeholder management, helping organizations navigate critical decisions with confidence.
What motivates me most is supporting organizations at pivotal moments when the stakes are high. A well-structured financing solution can make the difference between standing still and moving forward, between missing opportunities and unlocking them.
“The best financing solutions are not built on taking the greatest amount of risk, but on achieving the right balance between capital, strategy, and ambition.”
gijs.jooren@bdo.nl
06-23 08 47 24
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brent.van.rossum@avaxa.nl
06-27 45 68 44
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BRENT VAN ROSSUM
ADVISOR
After completing my master’s degree in Finance & Investments at Erasmus University Rotterdam, I joined Avaxa as an Analyst, having previously worked at the firm as an intern and working student during my studies. As an Advisor, I am now actively involved in financing processes for Dutch mid-market companies, family-owned businesses and private equity firms, many of which operate internationally.
Within these processes, I am responsible for financial analysis, developing financing structures and preparing information memoranda and financing proposals. In addition, I support the management of the lender process, from initial market approach through to closing. In doing so, I have gained experience with a variety of financing solutions, including refinancings, RCFs, ABL facilities and club deals.
“A good financing starts with a thorough understanding of the business. I find it rewarding to translate a company’s figures and strategy into a clear and well-substantiated story for lenders.”