Nominee buyer · Confidential acquisitions

We negotiate. Your name stays out of it.

You want to acquire shares, a company, a property or services – without the other side knowing who is behind the offer? We approach a pre-defined third party on your behalf, negotiate and complete the transaction for you as nominee. Your nominee buyer can be based in Germany, the United Kingdom, the United States or Hong Kong. Legally supported by a law firm in Frankfurt am Main.

Since 1985 in the PAN21 networkLawyer-supported · Frankfurt am MainNominee entities in DE · UK · US · HK

Why buy through a nominee?

The moment the other side knows who wants to buy, everything changes: the price, the willingness to sell, the terms. A nominee mandate separates your interest from your identity.

No premium

A well-known competitor, investor or corporation often pays far more – simply because it is recognised. We appear as a neutral buyer.

No disruption

Staff, customers, co-shareholders and the market learn nothing about your plans until you want them to.

No loss of face

If the negotiation fails, your name was never mentioned. You can try again later – or by a different route.

Real-world examples

A nominee mandate makes sense wherever your name gets in the way – when buying, when sourcing services, when sounding out. Typical situations:

The soured business relationship

Company A has fallen out with the management of Company B – but still needs B's products or services. We buy them in our own name and pass them on to A, avoiding a new confrontation, provided no contractual restrictions apply.

The neighbouring plot

A business wants to expand its site. If the neighbour knew who was buying, the price would multiply. We negotiate as a neutral buyer.

The co-shareholder's stake

A co-shareholder wants out – but would never sell to you. We acquire the stake as nominee; the seller never learns who is behind it.

The competitor

You want a stake in a competitor, to source its products or to test its willingness to sell – without it learning of your interest.

Brand & domain before launch

Ahead of a product launch we secure trademarks, domains or naming rights without revealing your plans – and without a famous name driving up the price.

The succession search

Would the owner of a family business consider selling? We sound them out without obligation. Only when it gets serious do you decide whether to step forward.

The collection

A work of art, a classic car, a collection – owned by someone you have fallen out with. We buy in our own name; you receive the object.

The quiet sale

You want to sell, but staff, customers and the market should not find out prematurely. We approach buyers without naming you.

Acquiring receivables

You want to buy claims against a company or person without debtor or creditor knowing who is economically behind the purchase.

How a nominee mandate works

Clearly defined, in writing, with legal support.

Confidential enquiry

You describe the target, the counterparty and the framework – without your name at first, if you prefer. We respond within one business day via the channel of your choice.

Mandate & nominee agreement

We agree in writing on the target, price range, negotiating scope, disclosure limits and fees. Your identity is verified once and held by the supporting law firm under professional confidentiality.

Approach

We contact the company, shareholder or owner in our own name or through a nominee company – with no reference to you.

Negotiation

We negotiate within the agreed framework and report to you continuously. No binding commitment is made without your approval.

Completion & transfer

The acquisition is made by the nominee on your behalf. Afterwards we hold for you, transfer to you or your company – or dissolve the arrangement later. You decide whether and when your name appears.

Your nominee buyer – in four jurisdictions

The third party deals with a nominee company. We choose where it is based to suit the deal, the counterparty and your goals.

Germany

A GmbH as nominee – the natural choice for German company shares, real estate and contract partners.

United Kingdom

An English limited company – internationally recognised and ready to act quickly.

United States

An LLC – flexible, discreet in appearance, ideal for US and international transactions.

Hong Kong

A Hong Kong limited company – the gateway for deals with an Asian connection.

What we acquire

Wherever the buyer's name affects the price or the outcome.

Company shares

Shares in private limited companies and partnerships, co-shareholder stakes, succession situations.

Shares & participations

Unlisted shares, blocks of shares, minority stakes – for listed companies below the disclosure thresholds.

Businesses & assets

Entire companies, business units, trademarks, domains, patents.

Real estate & land

Site extensions, neighbouring plots, properties where a known buyer would drive up the price.

Products & services

Sourcing from a supplier you no longer want to – or cannot – deal with directly.

Sounding out & sell-side

Testing willingness to sell before you step forward – or approaching buyers without revealing that you are selling.

Discretion – and its honest limits

We only promise what holds up legally. That is exactly what makes a nominee mandate robust.

Towards the counterparty

Fully confidential. The other side negotiates with us or the nominee company. Your name is only disclosed if and when you approve it.

Towards the public

Confidential. No publication, no press release, no mention in the counterparty's documents.

Towards authorities

Not anonymous. Anti-money-laundering law requires us to identify you as the client. Where the nominee holds company shares, you will generally have to be registered as the beneficial owner in the relevant register (e.g. the German Transparency Register or the UK PSC register), with access restricted by law.

Listed shares

Above the statutory voting-rights thresholds (e.g. 3%, 5%, 10%), disclosure obligations apply that name the actual principal. Below them, a confidential approach is possible.

We do not accept mandates intended to conceal assets, circumvent sanctions or serve any other unlawful purpose.

Frequently asked questions

Who actually conducts the negotiation?

The management behind this website, supported by the PAN21 network and – for legal steps – by a law firm in Frankfurt am Main.

Do I have to give my name in the enquiry?

No. An email address is enough for an initial assessment. Identification only takes place once a mandate is agreed.

Where can the nominee buyer be based?

In Germany, the United Kingdom, the United States or Hong Kong. We recommend the jurisdiction that best fits the target and the counterparty.

What does a nominee mandate cost?

Typically a mandate fee at the start plus a success fee depending on the transaction value. You receive a written offer before any costs arise.

Can I step forward myself later?

At any time. You decide whether your name is disclosed before completion, at completion, later or never – within the limits of the law.

What happens if the negotiation fails?

Then your name was never mentioned. The agreement ends and no success fee is payable.

Confidential enquiry

Your data is transmitted encrypted (TLS). Name and phone are optional – an email address is enough.

A neutral address is fine.