Azets Aim High – Welsh Corporate Finance division named as one of the leading advisers by Experian

The Welsh Corporate Finance division of Azets has been named as one of the leading advisers by Experian, in the latest MarketIQ Mergers and Acquisitions report. Azets, which has offices across Wales including Cardiff, Monmouth and Swansea, advised on five deals within the first half of the year, ranking them second in the country. Year on year, the value of sales within the region has risen by 57%, to a value of £468m. The team also covers the South West region and has advised on a total of 12 accredited deals in the first half of 2021, ranking 9th in that region, and supporting the overall national team to 5th place.

Jane Turner Research Manager, Experian MarketIQ commented: “Good news stories abound at the halfway point of what has been a very busy six months for UK deal makers. On a global level, transaction values have hit fresh highs on the back of surging deal volume in the TMT sector and, while we’re yet to see quite that level of frenzied big-ticket activity domestically, our first half figures show pleasing growth across a wide range of market segments. A positive financing environment and the gradual reopening of society mean that many companies now feel confident in driving ahead with the kind of strategic investment decisions that may have been pushed back during the early stages of the pandemic. The upward trend shows no sign of slowing down as we move further into 2021.”

Mark Selby, National Head of Corporate Finance at Azets said: “This is an outstanding achievement and a great testament to the exceptionally hard work put in by every single person in the Corporate Finance business in what has been a really challenging working environment.”

Katherine Broadhurst, Corporate Finance Partner at Azets Wales added: “The range of deals we’ve worked on so far this year have all had their complexities, mindful of the current situation with the pandemic and also Brexit – to achieve this recognition shows the dedication of the team and is something we’re incredibly proud of. The second half of the year also looks strong, with existing transactions progressing and lots of interest in growth through acquisitions. Following the turbulent period, this is a really positive sign and we look forward to supporting existing and new clients, as the economy continues to bounce back.”

Azets has also been shortlisted for a number of categories in the Wales Dealmaker Awards; Corporate Finance Advisory Team, Small Business Deal of the Year for Rabart Decorators Merchants’ acquisition of SG Bailey and Katherine Broadhurst for Dealmaker of the Year.

Azets is the UK’s largest regional accountancy and business advisor to SMEs and is a top 10 UK accountancy business.

Image: The South West & Wales Azets Corporate Finance Team

From left to right:

· Mark Palser, Senior Tax Manager

· Rosie Ibbotson, Associate Tax Director

· Richard Goddard, Partner and Regional Head of Tax

· Katherine Broadhurst, Partner and Regional Head of Corporate Finance

· Eloise Davies, Corporate Finance Executive

· Courtney Mattocks, Corporate Finance Assistant Manager

· George Smith, Corporate Finance Associate