Continuing
what you built.

A self-funded search fund acquiring and operating one exceptional business in Testing, Inspection and Certification — with care, commitment, and a long-term perspective.

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· Testing, Inspection & Certification · Long-term ownership · Founder succession · Austria & DACH region · Operational excellence · One exceptional company · Testing, Inspection & Certification · Long-term ownership · Founder succession · Austria & DACH region · Operational excellence · One exceptional company
About Allroots

We are looking for
one great company.

Allroots is a self-funded search fund founded by Philip von Hülst and Manfred H. Mautner Markhof. We are looking to acquire and operate one outstanding company in the Testing, Inspection and Certification sector.

Our focus is on businesses with strong customer relationships, trusted teams, and owners who care deeply about the future of what they have built. We believe that a successful transition is based on trust, respect, and a deep understanding of the company's history, culture, and stakeholders.

Our goal is simple: preserve the essence of the business, support its people, and guide it into a modern, digital, and efficient future — without losing the values that made it successful in the first place.

The Model

What is a
search fund?

An entrepreneurial model where committed operators search for one strong business to acquire, manage, and grow over the long term — dedicating full attention, energy, and responsibility to a single company.

01

Not a fund. A commitment.

Unlike a traditional private equity buyer, we are not acquiring many companies in parallel. We are looking for one exceptional business where we can dedicate everything we have.

02

Operators, not investors.

We personally step into the business. We learn from its history, protect its strengths, and continue building on the foundation already created by the founder.

03

Continuity over disruption.

A successful transition should not feel disruptive. We combine the wisdom of the founder generation with fresh energy, modern tools, and long-term vision.

04

Patience is the strategy.

Our approach is based on patience, trust, and continuity. We take the time to truly understand what has been built before considering any change.

What we look for

The right
company for
the long run.

We are looking for a profitable and established business in the Testing, Inspection and Certification sector with strong fundamentals, a clear role in its market, and an owner who genuinely cares about what comes next.

Customer relationships

Long-standing, trust-based relationships with repeat clients across industries that depend on quality and compliance.

Strong reputation

A recognised name in the market — built over years on the back of reliable work, technical accuracy, and consistent delivery.

Experienced team

Employees with deep technical know-how, institutional knowledge, and genuine pride in the work — the backbone of everything.

Stable profitability

Consistent revenues and healthy margins that demonstrate a sustainable business model and real market demand.

Succession mindset

A founder or owner who is thinking about the next chapter — and wants their life's work to continue in trustworthy hands.

Growth potential

Clear opportunities to improve operations, expand digitally, or grow in adjacent areas — without having to reinvent what already works.

The Team

The people
behind Allroots.

Two committed operators with complementary backgrounds in M&A advisory and company building — ready to step fully into the business they acquire.

Philip von Hülst
Co-Founder

Philip
von Hülst

CFA charterholder with over six years in M&A across DACH and Europe. Formerly Vice President at Apricum, Philip has advised entrepreneurs and investors through the full deal lifecycle — from valuation and outreach to due diligence, negotiation and closing. He holds degrees from ESADE and the University of Vienna and speaks German, English and Spanish.

LinkedIn Philip@allroots.com
Manfred H. Mautner Markhof
Co-Founder

Manfred H.
Mautner Markhof

Entrepreneur and investor with experience across company building, venture capital and growth strategy. He co-founded Blün, Austria's first commercial aquaponic farm, from inception to a successful exit in 2017. Manfred holds master's degrees from University College London (Summa Cum Laude) and the European Business School, and a bachelor's from the University of Miami.

LinkedIn manfred@allroots.com
Start a conversation

A conversation
about the future.

If you are considering the next chapter for your business, we would be happy to start a confidential conversation. Our aim is to listen first, understand what you have built, and explore whether Allroots could be the right long-term home for your company.

manfred@allroots.com Philip@allroots.com
Get in touch