Project Details

In Q4 2024, Oaklins Netherlands launched its Private Equity Newsletter highlighting trends in M&A, leveraged debt markets, sector consolidation, and valuation dynamics in the Netherlands and broader European markets.

This high-impact edition featured:

• A full M&A market update showing a strong finish to 2024
• Sector spotlight on horticulture and specialized technical services
• A deep dive into private equity exit momentum and fundraising conditions
• Insights into European valuation trends and leveraged lending dynamics

My role:

• Designed the full editorial layout and data visuals
• Structured long-form reports into modular, digestible content blocks
• Maintained Oaklins’ corporate branding and professional tone
• Optimized for PDF, email, and screen viewing with high readability

‍

Design Approach

With this newsletter combining narrative, financial data, and market analysis, I applied an approach focused on professional clarity and editorial flow:

• Modular Architecture: Built sections around data dashboards, expert commentary, and sector case studies (e.g., Den Berk Délice, Lumiforte)
• Data-Driven Visuals: Created comparative charts, sector breakdowns, and historical deal trend graphics with minimalist styling
• Expert Highlighting: Integrated quotes from Tijn Bastiaans and Frank de Hek to anchor insight-driven narrative with visual emphasis
• Sector Spotlight Styling: Applied custom section branding for the horticulture feature to distinguish its strategic importance
• Multi-Channel Optimization: Delivered a polished PDF ready for Oaklins’ newsletter system and client downloads

‍

What We Learned

This project exemplified the design demands of private equity communications in complex financial climates:

• PE readers value insight before style — the design guided decision-making with clear data hierarchy
• Specialist content needs editorial framing — positioning thought leadership (e.g., sector outlooks, valuations) adds weight to Oaklins’ voice
• Consistency breeds trust — this edition aligns with previous newsletters, while evolving with new formats like “Sector Spotlight” pages
• Design can enhance perceived value — especially in sectors like horticulture where deal data must meet storytelling