Finance Monthly Global Awards 2018 Edition

netherlands weekend and asked to attend a meeting somewhere in Europe for example. This is very exciting and it gives us a lot of energy. Having a science-based background is also important to us. My business partner Jan Adriaanse is a tenured university professor, whilst some of our colleagues have a PhD degree or are doing research in a field that is relevant for our work, and that includes myself too. We try to add value to our daily work by involving science into our work. We notice that our clients appreciate this, especially in legal disputes, as we are very familiar with topics such as cognitive biases and causality as a result of our academic work. What are the key challenges of operating in this sector? When acting as a valuation adviser in commercial and shareholder disputes, or as an expert witness, one has to accept that there is always a lot of pressure. It is an instant business. Time limits and emotions of parties involved play an important role – almost all of the time. It is partly your job to manage this adequately. Frequently, one has to work with advisers from the counterparty, which requires professionalism and integrity. And sometimes, one has to be able to have a rebuttal against your client, which will be in their interest. It can be more difficult in cases where you act as a court- appointed expert. One has to be sure of oneself, making it necessary to have relevant experience. Being a good valuator and being good at numbers is not good enough. You have to be an excellent communicator to present the narrative. What is the hardest thing you have ever done in business? In a recent case, I was appointed as a member of an international expert committee to determine the quantum of damages for a multi-billion party as a result of an unlawful act by the other party. The expert committee was composed of different nationalities and we worked within another jurisdiction. This required a lot of empathy and patience, realising what forces were playing. I think this case is in many ways the biggest case in which I have been involved to date. What lies on the horizon for BFI Global? Where would you like your business to be in three years? We are happy and grateful to be where we are today, but we realise that we have to keep delivering top-quality services every day and earn the trust we receive. We cannot afford to think that we have reached our goal. In the past few years, we have been recognised as a serious valuation firm by both national and international clients and law firms, resulting in being involved in the most complex and challenging high- profile cases in our region. We are perceived as a real alternative for bigger consulting firms as a result of the quality of our work and our full independence. Our aim is to maintain this position and to strengthen it in our Amsterdam office. However, we still sometimes fantasise about opening an office in another capital in Europe. Frequently, we say to each other that we have the best work one could wish for. It’s tough and demanding at times, but very rewarding when we are in the middle of a case that’s covered by the media - knowing that we can make a difference. Working within valuation is brilliant! About Marc Broekema Marc Broekema founded the Amsterdam based boutique firm BFI Global together with turnaround and cause investigation expert Prof. Jan Adriaanse,whereheheadsthevaluation and dispute services practice. Marc is a seasoned valuation professional with a demonstrated track record as an expert (witness) providing independent advice and opinions to courts, legal professionals, individual shareholders, and management - /supervisory boards on complex valuations, financial and strategic matters. He has ample professional experience working in both (international) expert committees as well as acting as party expert in legal proceedings with respect to (international) commercial and shareholders disputes. Marc holds master degrees in valuation, economics and law, and is a chartered business valuator and expert witness. Furthermore, he is affiliated to Leiden University (NL) where he conducts research in the field of decision making in the context of business valuation. Q Q Q Contact Marc Broekema Co-Founder & Partner of BFI Global Tel. +31 (0)20 792 00 08 Mob +31 (0)6 543 700 24 Email: marc.broekema@bfiglobal.com Finance Monthly Global Awards 2018 www.finance-monthly.com 25 net s