New York, Munich | June 26th, 2026 – The M&A Advisor announced the winners of the 17th Annual International M&A Awards and Drake Star was honored in the category Financials Deal of the Year (under $100MM) for advising on the sale of Gini to Banyan Software.
Founded in 2011, Gini has spent over a decade building one of the most trusted document-intelligence and payment platforms in the financial services industry. The technology, developed by Gini itself, enables users to simplify invoice payments, streamline reimbursements, and automate data entry from financial documents. Gini’s solutions are deeply integrated into the workflows of leading financial institutions across Germany, making it a critical infrastructure partner to its clients. Banyan specializes in investing in precisely these types of mission-critical software businesses.
As Gini enters a new chapter, leadership continues to prioritize stability, product excellence and innovation, and a continued commitment to customers and employees. Finding a partner who would honor Gini’s values while supporting its next phase of growth and navigating significant opportunities in a changing market was central to their decision to partner with Banyan. Through the acquisition, Gini gains access to new international markets, additional customer segments, and professional structures, which will significantly drive the company's continued expansion across banking and into private health insurance and e-commerce.
Julian Ostertag, Managing Partner, Member of the Executive Committee, Co-Founder of Drake Star and deal team lead said: "Winning this award is a fantastic recognition for the entire deal team – including Julian Riedlbauer, Josef Osterhammer, and myself – and reflects the quality of work that went into this transaction. With the sale of Gini to Banyan Software, we helped Gini find a long-term owner who strongly believes in the business model and is committed to its continued development. Gini's customers benefit from a well-capitalized partner with a highly stable financial profile and a dedicated German team as their primary point of contact. Banyan brings deep experience from a broad range of software investments across payments, data, and compliance – making them ideally positioned to support Gini in the best possible way as it enters its next phase of growth. We are proud to have advised on this transaction and to have achieved such a successful outcome for our client."
"The International M&A Awards recognizes the firms and professionals whose transactions and leadership continue to shape the future of global dealmaking," said Roger Aguinaldo, Founder and CEO of The M&A Advisor. "This year’s recipients exemplify excellence, innovation, and resilience in an increasingly competitive and evolving market environment."
The winners will be formally recognized during the 2026 Leadership in Dealmaking Summit, taking place September 14 & 15, 2026 in New York City. The summit will bring together influential executives, advisors, investors, and industry leaders for two days of networking, thought leadership, and celebration of achievement across the global M&A community.
About The M&A Advisor
Founded in 1998, The M&A Advisor is the premier global organization dedicated to connecting, recognizing, and informing professionals in mergers and acquisitions, restructuring, and corporate finance. Through its industry-leading events, awards programs, and digital platforms, The M&A Advisor provides insights and networking opportunities that empower professionals at every stage of their careers.
This award was granted by The M&A Advisor on June 15, 2026, in New York, recognizing transactions, financings, or restructurings completed between April 1, 2025, and March 31, 2026. The M&A Advisor is an independent third-party organization. Participation in the nomination process required a submission fee. Additionally, Drake Star Partners paid a minimum promotional spend to license the award logo and promote this recognition.
For more information on how winners are chosen, visit: www.maadvisor.com.
About Drake Star
Drake Star is an award-winning global tech investment bank that has completed over 500 transactions since 2003. The Drake Star global team of experienced professionals and senior advisors across offices in New York, Munich, London, Paris, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Berlin, West Palm Beach and Dubai* focuses on mergers & acquisitions and corporate finance services worldwide in Software/SaaS, Artificial Intelligence, HR Tech, Digital Services, FinTech, Digital Media, Industrial Tech, Consumer & Retail Tech and Mobility & Sustainability.
Drake Star is the marketing name for the global investment bank Drake Star Partners Limited and its subsidiaries and affiliates. In the USA, all securities are transacted through Drake Star Securities LLC. In the USA, Drake Star Securities LLC is regulated by FINRA and is a member of SIPC. Drake Star UK Limited (FRN 942020) is an appointed representative of Razlin Ltd (FRN 730805), which is authorized and regulated by the FCA.
© 2026 Drake Star Partners Limited.
*Partner Office