Member Article

NW Private Equity backed deals on the rise

National law firm, Gateley Plc is reporting an increase in Private Equity backed deals in 2015 compared to the same period last year. Deal volume across the UK is up by more than 11 per cent with the North West stealing a march at just over 15 per cent, according to recent figures from Experian Corpfin.

Gateley Plc has been particularly active in the North West’s private equity surge including recently acting for software development and integration services company Mobica in relation to Inflexion’s investment in the company. Mobica has offices in Europe and North America, as well as being headquartered in Wilmslow.

Gateley Plc currently leads the way for deal volume, occupying first place nationally and is ranked second in the North West for the number of private equity deals delivered in the region.

The strong and long standing relationship between Gateley and Manchester-based Palatine Private Equity was one of the reasons for the strong ranking by Gateley in the North West. In addition to the MBO of Vernacare, the firm advised Palatine on its £37m exit from Electranet and its exit from Playnation, which it sold to the NOVOMATIC group.

In addition, the firm advised Mattioli Woods Plc, the wealth management and employee benefit services providers, on its acquisitions of Preston-based Taylor Patterson and the pension administration business of Altrincham-based financial services firm, Lindley Group.

This growth comes at a time when the firm has recently appointed Manchester-based Corporate partner, Paul Jefferson, as national Head of Private Equity. Appointing a national head in Manchester reflects the level of work coming out of the region.

Commenting on the trend towards more private equity backed transactions this year, Paul Jefferson, said: “Private equity investors continue to play a vitally important role in developing businesses as the economy improves and we expect to see a further increase in this type of activity as we move into a new year, albeit PE houses remain cautious about Q1-Q2 and are predicting increased activity levels from mid-2016.

“The Private Equity team at Gateley has experienced an encouraging 12 months for deal-making in this sector, advising on all stages of private equity funded deals. The team has a very strong track record in private equity transactions and maintains very good institutional relationships both locally and nationally.

“However, the enduring relationship enjoyed by Gateley with Palatine Private Equity, in particular via Corporate Partner Rebecca Grisewood, has been a key factor underpinning the strong performance of our Manchester team”.

This year also saw the firm make history by becoming the first UK commercial law firm to float on the AIM market of the London Stock Exchange. The company raised £30 million as part of its listing and was valued at £100 million on first day of dealing.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Gateley plc .