New York, Munich, December 16^th, 2025 | Drake Star was awarded Global Private Equity Deal of the Year at the recent 7th Annual USA and Global M&A Atlas Awards by the Global M&A Network for advising VEDA on its Majority Recapitalization with Investcorp. The award further extends Drake Star’s leadership position in the HR Tech M&A space. The award ceremony took place at the Metropolitan Club, New York on December 9, 2025 and Ralf Philipp Hofmann, Managing Partner & Co-Founder at Drake Star, as well as Gregory Bedrosian, Managing Partner & CEO at Drake Star, attended the event.

Ralf Philipp Hofmann, Managing Partner & Co-Founder at Drake Star and deal team lead, said: "This recognition underscores our commitment to excellence in M&A advisory and reinforces our leadership position in the HR Tech space. I’m proud of what we’ve achieved together and look forward to continuing to support our clients as they pursue transformative growth. Huge congrats also to Veda and Investcorp and to everyone who worked on this transaction and made it so successful."

Gregory Bedrosian, Managing Partner & CEO at Drake Star, commented: "At a time of rapid change in the dealmaking landscape, this achievement highlights our ability to deliver world-class advice and consistent value. It reflects the dedication of our entire team and strengthens our position as a leading M&A adviser."

Being a pioneer in the German HR Tech market, VEDA offers a holistic end-to-end HR Software platform (“VEDA HORIZON”) that enables customers to utilize Payroll, Time & Security and People Management solutions within one integrated system. On the back of its vast experience in payroll processing, the company complements its product offering by best-in-class full-service payroll outsourcing. VEDA serves as a trusted partner for more than 600 customers across a wide range of industries, including rhenag, ODDO BHF, MAN, and Lufthansa.

For more information on the transaction, read the full deal announcement.

For important disclosures about the awards, please head over to: globalmanetwork.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, and Dubai* focuses on mergers & acquisitions and corporate finance services worldwide in Software/SaaS, 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. © 2025 Drake Star Partners Limited.

*Partner Office