Who We Are

The Hard Yards was founded by two practitioners who have sat on both sides of the table — as operators who've built and run businesses, and as advisors who've executed complex transactions.

Matt

Matt

Co-Founder & Managing Director

  • •20+ years of M&A and corporate advisory experience
  • •Former operator — built and scaled services businesses
  • •Deep expertise across technology, services and industrial sectors
  • •Trusted advisor to founders and management teams
  • •Track record of successful mid-market transactions
LinkedIn → Download CV →
Ilkka

Ilkka

Co-Founder & Managing Director

  • •15+ years in investment banking and M&A advisory
  • •Background in institutional finance and capital markets
  • •Specialist in valuation, deal structuring and negotiation
  • •Cross-border transaction experience across Asia-Pacific
  • •Known for rigorous analysis and commercial pragmatism
LinkedIn → Download CV →

Our Values

Operator-Minded

We've built businesses ourselves. We understand the emotional and practical complexity of letting go — and we bring that empathy to every engagement.

Clear-Eyed Valuation & Negotiation

We tell you what your business is worth in the real market — not what you want to hear. Honest advice leads to better outcomes.

High Integrity, Low Noise

No jargon, no theatre, no unnecessary complexity. We're discreet, direct and focused entirely on achieving the right outcome for our clients.

Let's Start a Conversation

We'd welcome the opportunity to understand your situation and explore how we can help.

Get in Touch