Independent Advisory

Advisory for high-stakes situations

Supporting M&A stories, exits, fundraisings, strategic financial projects and value creation initiatives.

About

We provide critical execution support to management teams, founders and investors, in tackling specific financial and strategic projects.

The investor's perspective

At Sunstone, we have seen deals from different angles — as M&A banker and private equity investor. Having seen transactions from both sides of the table allows us to anticipate, challenge and better advise our clients.

Hands-on involvement

We act as a transaction partner embedded in your team — not a distant intermediary handing off deliverables, but a direct counterpart supporting you throughout your project.

We are here to support in any situation where ownership, leadership and capital intersect.

Let's discuss your needs

What we do

We are typically brought in when management teams need senior transaction expertise, additional execution capacity, or an independent sounding board.

M&A Advisory

Buy-side and sell-side transaction support from initial review through closing.

Opportunity assessment
Due diligence oversight
Process and advisors coordination
Valuation and deal structuring
Deal financing
Negotiation and documentation
Closing

Investor & Exit Readiness

Preparing companies and management teams for fundraising, exits and investor interactions.

Equity story definition
Business plan development
Investor materials preparation
Process coordination
Investor Q&A preparation and management
Term sheet and documentation
Board and investor interactions

Portfolio & Value Creation

Working alongside management teams on financing and strategic priorities throughout the investment lifecycle.

Value creation initiatives
Financial project implementation
Debt refinancing
Buy-and-build strategy definition
Finance leadership support
Board and shareholder interactions

Why Sunstone

What makes the difference.

Transaction experience

30+ transactions closed across M&A advisory and private equity – from large-cap investments to mid-market acquisitions, disposals, add-ons, financings, IPOs…

A pragmatic sparring partner

Beyond process and deliverables, we challenge analysis, pressure-test assumptions and sharpen investment cases.

Direct involvement

Not just advising, but actively involved. We structure, negotiate and drive the process together. Every mandate is handled directly – no layers, no dilution.

Alignment

No conflicts of interest, no proprietary products to push, no cross-selling agendas — independent and fully aligned with your objectives.

30+

Transactions closed

100+

Opportunities assessed

Years of experience

Founder

Marine Charbonnier

Marine has been working across investment banking and private equity since 2017. She started in the M&A team at Deutsche Bank in Paris, where she worked on structuring and executing transactions across a wide range of industries. She then joined Carlyle's European Buyout team as private equity investor, assessing investment opportunities, executing acquisitions, supporting portfolio companies and management teams through exits.

Sunstone Advisory is built on her experience, with a simple objective: provide companies, founders and investors with experienced, hands-on transaction support, combining rigorous execution with an investor's judgment.

Marine Charbonnier, founder of Sunstone Advisory

Get in touch

Let's discuss your project.

Reach out for a first confidential conversation — in French or English.

Based in Paris, France. Working globally.